Aston Villa have rejected Birmingham City’s request to let midfielder Gary Gardner play in this weekend’s Second City Derby.

Gardner has been a key part of Garry Monk’s squad since joining on loan from Villa back in the summer but will not be allowed to play against his parent club, despite the Blues’ best efforts.

"We’ve got a small squad,” Monk told his pre-match press conference, according to the club’s official Twitter account.

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“Who ever comes in and steps onto that pitch in place of Gary Gardner will be ready to give it all for the shirt.

“We did ask them if he could play, but of course it was a straight no."

The previous meeting between the sides this season finished in a 4-2 win for Villa in a thoroughly entertaining display.

But months later, it is the Blues who sit higher in the table, currently three places better off in eighth place as both sides look to break into the play-offs.

A win for Smith’s side, however, will see them leapfrog their neighbours and potentially close the gap on the top-six to just three points.

The verdict

Of course Villa said no.

It is a local derby. Why on Earth would they do anything that would give their opponents an edge?

Monk should have known this and simply not bothered asking. I don’t think it sends a great message to whoever comes into replace him.