Villa defender Davies expects Baggies boo-boys to give him a tongue lashing

The centre half, who by Villa boss Martin O’Neill’s reckoning enjoyed his best game in a claret and blue shirt during the 2-1 triumph at White Hart Lane on Monday, is prepared to suffer further abuse after switching sides 13 months ago.

There are significant number of people in and around greater Birmingham who still consider this weekend’s derby to be on a par with Villa’s dust-ups with their rivals from St Andrew’s.

Curtis Davies expects a torrent of abuse from West Brom supporters as he returns to the Hawthorns for the first time since his move to Villa Park

Consequently, switching allegiances, no matter how justified in the eyes of the watching football world, is a serious crime in the eyes of the fans.

‘I’m expecting some stick,’ he said.

‘They gave me some in the last pre-season friendly last season against Heerenveen but before I left they were trying to clap me.

'I don’t understand it. But it doesn’t faze me.

‘In fact, when I got into the England squad Villa said they had five players in it.

'Because I was officially on loan, West Brom fans were saying I was the first Albion player in the England squad for 20 years.

'They wanted to push me away when I got my move. As soon as I got in the England squad, they were trying to claim me back.

‘They bought me for £3m and I left for a lot more.

'I felt in the two years I was there I gave them good service.

'There were other people trying to leave, but it didn’t quite work out for them.

'As I was the last one to go on transfer deadline day, it looks like I’ve deserted them.

‘But I wasn’t one of those who went there, took my money, got a Bosman and left them high and dry.

Davies was huge fans favourite at the Hawthorns - before sealing his switch to arch-rivals Aston Villa

'It was one of those things.

'Football’s fickle.

'Some fans wished me all the best and I know there are some good ones.

'Honestly, I wish them the best.

‘The nucleus is still there from when I was at the club. It’s still a good place.

'They were renowned for playing good football through the Championship and they’re continuing that in the Premier League.

'The way they play football, and the way we play, I think it will be a good game.

'And with no Birmingham City game this year, this will be our derby.’

Davies famously labelled himself a ‘pub player’ following his Villa debut.

At the time, his boss thought that description harsh.

And O’Neill is slowly being proved right.

The defender himself is growing in confidence after wondering whether he had made the right move following his faltering start. ‘I was looking a bit rusty to begin with,’ he said.

‘I wasn’t sure if I’d made the right decision.

'Obviously, once I’d got into the team I managed to fulfil what I’d set out to do, get into the England squad, play a few games and the team got into Europe.

‘They were my reasons for leaving and I achieved them within the first season.

'So if West Brom fans can’t see the difference, then they are obviously not football people.

‘I’m sure they’ll be hoping I nod one in my own net.

'But if I can go unnoticed, it will be a good thing.

'You don’t want to be giving it the massive one.

'I’m not here to pump it up.

‘But anyway, I’d have to score first to do that. And the chance to do that would be a good thing.’