Steve Bruce has challenged his Blues players to become 'local heroes' by defeating Villa at St Andrew's tonight.
And he warned Villa that if successful, it would represent the opening salvo in Blues' plan to over-take their fierce rivals and become the West Midlands' number one soccer power.
"Tonight is such a big game, such a big occasion," said the Blues boss. "Birmingham-Villa is comparable to the Manchester, Liverpool, London, Newcastle-Sunderland derbies.
"It's been so long that the teams have played each other at this level I think it's been forgotten how big a rivalry this actually is.
"Our lads will be revved up for it, that's for sure. They know what this game means to our supporters.
"They've waited 16 years for us to play Villa on a level playing field in the top division.
"We've been the second team in Birmingham for so long that it hurts them -and we feel their pain.
"To win tonight, our lads would become heroes to those fans who have suffered so much.
"When they go tomorrow into the factory, that pub or club with pint in hand, they want to be proud of their team. Hopefully, we will be able to make them proud."
Bruce reckons Villa are "in a bit of transition" - just like his club, who are striving to eclipse them.
"They've been in the Premiership from the outset," he said, "we are just starting out.
"Our aim is to catch them up quickly then overtake them. I've said all along that if we can stay in there this season, we have the capacity to build and progress, on and off the field."
Bruce insisted that Blues will not get too carried away by derby mania.
"I've a saying: you have to remember to play the game, not the occasion. I know we will be motivated by having Villa in our own back yard, but we mustn't forget to play the game."
