Derby manager Paul Jewell insists his relegated side can become as big as Aston Villa.

Martin O'Neill's side will arrive at Pride Park for Saturday's Premier League clash 41 points clear of the relegated Rams.

His seventh-placed team have won 14 times this season as opposed to County's one win, a 1-0 victory over Newcastle in September before Jewell had even arrived at the club.

However, Derby supporters have continued to flock to see their side and yet another sell-out crowd is expected on Saturday.

While sell-outs at the 43,300 capacity Villa Park are more rare, the Birmingham club are on target to record their highest average attendance for more than half a century with their current average just over 40,000.

But with his struggling side pulling in 33,000 for their last four home games despite their lowly position, Jewell is confident County could match that figure with success on the field - and the small matter of a ground extension.

"I think it's a huge club Villa, but Derby's a huge club," he said.

"I think their (Villa's) crowd was 37,000 on Saturday (against Bolton) so it's obviously a big club.

"But we have filled our ground more often than not this year and I would like to think if we were in the top six we would certainly be pushing towards 40,000, maybe even more.

"I think in comparison of the size of the clubs both have been successful in winning the Championship, albeit a few years ago.

"Okay, Villa have won a European Cup but certainly given the right amount of time and given the same success the clubs have had I think there is a comparison.

"I certainly don't think Derby should look at Aston Villa and say we can never get to that level.

"I think Derby in years to come, given the right players and the right backing, can get into that top 10 to the top eight of the Premier League.

"This isn't a bash at Aston Villa. If you put us at six or seventh in the league I think we'd have to expand the stadium."

With just five games left, time is running out for the Rams to overhaul Sunderland's record low of 15 points set in the 2005/06 season.

West Ham, Arsenal, Blackburn and Reading make up what looks a tricky end-of-season run-in and Jewell is expecting another stern challenge this weekend.

"They have some terrific players," Jewell added.

"They are probably one of the quickest teams with (Gabriel) Agbonlahor and (Ashley) Young down the flanks; (John) Carew is a major player for them.

"They are a real good team. We all know how terrific they are at set-plays and it's an area that we have been lacking in both offensively and defensively this year."

He added: "There's more than one way to skin a cat and I think Aston Villa have got it spot on.

"Martin O'Neill's teams are always hard working but they don't get enough credit for the quality of player they have.

"They are getting a little bit more now than when he was at Celtic or Leicester."

As for his opposite number, Jewell believes the Northern Irishman has an "aura" about him and would be a welcome appointment at any top-flight club.

"If Martin O'Neill went to any Premier League team I don't think they would be disappointed," he added.

"I've never worked for him, I don't know Martin that well, but people say there's something about him.

"He has an aura about him and you've either got it or you haven't - Martin's got it in abundance."

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