Source: Team_Talk
Warnock welcomes Blues revival
Warnock experienced a similar scenario during his days at Liverpool when Everton were battling for a European spot.[LNB]Villa take on Arsenal on Sunday hoping to sustain their push for a Champions League spot after four successive victories.[LNB]But Birmingham have also been in excellent form and went into the festive programme seventh in the Barclays Premier League after a nine-match unbeaten run which yielded 21 points.[LNB]Warnock said: "I made my first Villa start after moving from Blackburn in the derby at St Andrew's and I was very impressed by them.[LNB]"I know we got the victory (1-0) but I thought they were well organised and very hard to beat.[LNB]"I've always found that throughout the years when playing Birmingham. They've also got very passionate fans and it's a tough place to go.[LNB]"The way the league has gone this year is such that, if you do put a run of results together, it can thrust you from nowhere to being right up there and Birmingham have done that.[LNB]"It's great for the city to have two teams up there and I'm sure it's great for the fans.[LNB]"They're probably enjoying the banter between each other at work. It was always the same when I was at Liverpool.[LNB]"There was a spell where Everton were right up there and fighting for the Champions League spots and it was great around the city.[LNB]"There was a buzz around the city and a great pride and I'm sure the people of Birmingham are very proud of their two teams at the moment."[LNB]Vila face a crucial period with a home game against Liverpool on Tuesday following on from tomorrow's meeting with Arsene Wenger's side.[LNB]Warnock said: "The Christmas period is very important for us because we have got tough games coming up.[LNB]"We know that if we can stay in and around the top four until after Christmas time then we have a very good chance of being there come the end of the season."[LNB]Striker Emile Heskey is manager Martin O'Neill's only injury worry with a groin problem suffered against Stoke last weekend, although it is not as serious as first feared.[LNB][LNB]
