Gabriel Agbonlahor was delighted to give Villa fans the bragging rights in the west Midlands with his 84th minute matchwinner at St. Andrew's.

The England international's late header sunk neighbours Birmingham and ensured Villa's fans will enjoy the upper hand until the return Barclays Premier League fixture.

Birmingham had dominated the second half but they paid for their failure to create any clear-cut chances when Agbonlahor swooped to finish off John Carew's headed pass.

"It shows how much it meant to everyone, the way they were celebrating," said Agbonlahor.

"It makes all of their years until we play them (Birmingham) again. It is good that we've got the bragging rights.

"On another day maybe it rolls wide, but John headed it back and I put my head on it and luckily it went in."

Agbonlahor was disappointed not to score a second when he found himself through on goal moments later but he ran out of steam and lofted the ball over the crossbar.

"My legs were a bit tired at the end - I tried to put it lower but it went over the bar," he added.

"I was disappointed not to score that one but luckily they didn't get an equaliser so it didn't really matter."

Meanwhile Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes the striker can force his way into England's World Cup squad for next year's finals in South Africa.

Agbonlahor has not featured for England since their defeat to Spain back in February but the 22-year-old striker looked back to his best against City.

"I am delighted for Gabby," said O'Neill. "It is a big lift for him. He was excellent against Liverpool and Fulham, and again today.

"Until the World Cup gathers momentum I have not got a major worry. If he continues to play and perform right through the season there is no reason for him to be disregarded."

O'Neill was also delighted with the performance of his three debut defenders - Richard Dunne, James Collins and Stephen Warnock.

All three kept City's attack at bay and Dunne was outstanding at the heart of the new-look rearguard.

"I was very pleased with all three," added O'Neill. "Their performances were excellent and they had only Friday and Saturday to acquaint themselves with each other."

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish labelled Villa's late win as a "harsh" result and revealed that he has more injury concerns ahead of their next game against struggling Hull.

"It is harsh result," said McLeish. "There is no doubt about that. We played really well and got about Villa.

"The difference between us and Villa, in financial clout and quality, is a big gulf but it didn't look like it.

"Their goal was a free header and we have just got to deal with those balls. Roger Johnson was fantastic today but Carew slipped his grasp. But then we have to defend the second ball and that's often the one that kills you.

"Players switch off and turn and watch the ball. Agbonlahor turned and slipped his man. We have got to be really vigilant in these situations. The Premier League is about concentration, pace and quality - and concentration undid us a little bit.

"We are really are strapped for players at the moment in terms of injuries and we had three or four limp off. We'll wrap them in cotton wool this week and we'll see what we've got available next week.

"Franck Queudrue is struggling with his hamstring, James McFadden went off at half-time with a thigh muscle strain and Roger Johnson has got a gash in his shin. We would expect him to be okay but the other two could be doubts."