Villa sweating on key trio

Dunne: Head injury

Aston Villa are sweating on the fitness of three key players ahead of Sunday's derby showdown with Birmingham at Villa Park.

Centre-back Richard Dunne, captain Stiliyan Petrov and left-back Stephen Warnock all sustained injuries in Wednesday's 2-0 triumph away to Hull City.

Dunne suffered a significant cut to his head in sickening clash with Tigers striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, but was able to play on after having the area bandaged.

Midfielder Petrov came off six minutes from time with a groin injury shortly after Villa's second goal, while Warnock managed to complete the 90 minutes despite an ankle problem.

Very sore

Villa manager Martin O'Neill said: "I think Richard's cut may have reopened (after stitches) but I'm hoping he is going to be OK.

"Stephen was kicked twice in the same spot within a matter of moments but he carried on to the end.

"Stiliyan had a kick in the groin which was very sore at half-time but he stayed on until close to the end. We'll see how they are."

O'Neill's men are back in contention for a UEFA Champions League place after taking 10 points from their last four Premier League games.