ALEX McLeish will encourage Villa to ‘‘get in the faces” of derby-day rivals Albion tomorrow, insisting an intimidating Villa Park holds the key to maintaining West Midlands supremacy.

McLeish believes the match could be as much about will as skill and wants his players and the claret and blue supporters to feed off each other to generate a ferocious atmosphere.

Villa’s home attendances have been down on last season but McLeish is hoping for a bumper turn-out against Roy Hodgson’s men as Villa bid to bounce back from defeat at Manchester City.

“Sometimes it’s not all about the skill in these games, it’s about the will,” said McLeish.

“If we can show a bit of both this weekend and get the crowd right behind us then there’s no reason why we can’t win.

“I’ll tell my own players to be in the faces of the opposition to show them you’re not afraid and you welcome the challenge.

“There’s no doubt about it that some grounds can make visiting players apprehensive and Villa Park is one of those grounds.

“We’ve got to believe and try and create an identity where we can make this place a fortress and can beat anybody here.

“The fuller the better. To see a full Villa Park would be great. It’s a sensational stadium and can be a sensational atmosphere.

Villa have traditionally been the top team in the Midlands and McLeish admits they take pride in that reputation but he insists the challenge is proving it each and every season.

“Of course part of it is about local supremacy,” he said. “I think Villa have that kind of aura.