Steve Bruce plays down Birmingham City past

New Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has played down the importance of his spell in charge of the club's fierce rivals Birmingham City.

Bruce spent two years as a player and six years as a manager at St Andrew's, helping the club to promotion from the Championship on two occasions.

The 55-year-old will now attempt to repeat the feat with Villa following his appointment yesterday, and he does not expect his association with Birmingham to be a problem.

"I think I understand the rivalry, of course we do. We've all been here long enough and it was a long time ago. I hope that I can bring [that] success. When I went to Birmingham we were 15th at Christmas and went on a run that got us promoted," he told reporters.

"I hope I can bring that success here, now, that's what this club needs. We need to get back in the big league and the challenge of that alone was the resounding factor of why I came here. I've been used to being called potato head from [Villa fans] for the last 20 years, fat head at Liverpool... whatever.

"I think I've always took it as a bit of a compliment. If they are against you, then usually they quite like you. What I would ask is for them all to get behind the team and the club again. They are a fantastically loyal support, and I'll try my utmost to make sure we get back to where we want to try and get to."

Bruce's first match in charge comes against another Midlands team in Wolverhampton Wanderers.