Local lad Billy thriving on derby pressure

21 October 2011 14:59
Defender delighted to be involved

Billy Jones believes the pressure of tomorrow’s derby is all on Aston Villa.

The versatile defender made his Premier League and full debut for the Baggies against rivals Wolves last weekend and says the emphasis is always on the home side to do well in local derbies.

The former Crewe and Preston North End man was born in nearby Shrewsbury and knows all about the importance of the games against Albion’s near neighbours.

"Maybe it's a good thing that they've come back to back,” said the 24-year-old.

"We've got one win under our belt and it would be great to get another one.

"It's what I've always wanted to do, to play in the big occasions at the big grounds against top class Premier League players, and it's going to be another massive test for us and for me personally if selected to start.

"But I am just delighted to be a part of it and really looking forward to it.

"It would be absolutely massive to win back-to-back derby games because you don't often hear of it.

"You usually get one derby for every team in the league and play them twice, and that's it.

"But to get back-to-back wins would be massive, and it would be great for our position in the league.

"I think we go into the game as underdogs and that's always a bonus, really.

"It's Villa playing us in a derby at home.

"The pressure was maybe on us in the game last Sunday because we were playing at home and this week the pressure is on them.

"If we go there and perform as a team we can get three points and we're confident of that.

"Maybe the pressure is on them because they could be classed by the neutral as the bigger club of the two.

"But the pressure is more on them because they're playing at home and they're expected by their fans to win.

"However, we know as a team and as a group that if we perform to our ability we could go there and win."

Would you start with Jones or Shorey against Villa tomorrow? Have your say here at Baggies Banter.

Source: FOOTYMAD