Steve Cotterill suffered his first loss as Birmingham City manager as his side fell to a 2-0 defeat against Millwall on Saturday.

However, everyone's attention has quickly shifted to the massive local derby against Aston Villa on Sunday, where Birmingham will be looking to bounce back with a win.

The ex-Bristol City manager has only been in charge of the Blues for a few weeks but told the Birmingham Mail that he is pleased with the attitude his players have. “If you can have a dressing room full of givers then you will be successful. It's the takers who you come across from time to time where they can be a bit selfish or whatever. But I haven't detected any of that in this dressing room.”

He will certainly need everyone pulling in the same direction if Blues are to emerge victorious in the Second City derby.

Villa have gone on a terrific run in the past month, winning five of their previous six games and now occupy a place in the play-offs.

That means they will head to st. Andrew's full of confidence in what should be an explosive game.

The Verdict

Birmingham City fans will be pleased to hear that their manager is happy with the dressing room he inherited as it can be key when you are struggling down the bottom.

The team clearly boast talented individuals, but it's about Cotterill finding a collective spirit and togetherness within the group so they can be successful.

The players will have to show the attitude and application their manager believes they have on Sunday if they are to overcome a Villa side who have really picked up since September.

Thoughts, Birmingham fans? Let us know in the comments below.