Gardner wants to face brother in Premier League

Craig helped his boyhood heroes Blues reach the semi-finals of the Carling Cup at the expense of his former club Aston Villa in midweek.

Younger brother Gary signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with Villa on Friday and is close to returning to action after a cruciate ligament injury.

Then on Saturday leading scorer Craig showed his increasing worth to City with a late point saver against Harry Redknapp's side - his fifth goal of the campaign. Gardner senior said: "It has been a massive week for Birmingham and it just shows how far we have come in the last two or three years.

"But for the family, it has been unbelievable with Gary signing the new deal as well at Villa. He has done well, he totally deserves everything he gets out of the game.

"Gary did the injury 10 months ago and has come back strong now, and his attitude has been spot on. He is a born winner and fingers crossed we will see him sooner rather than later in the Premier League and playing against me. That would be special."

Source: PA

Source: PA