Aston Villa must beware of Mauro Zarate, says Martin O'Neill

Apr 18 2008 By Bill Howell

MARTIN O'Neill believes that Argentinian sensation Mauro Zarate will have to treated with respect in the derby.

But he says comparisons between the 21-year-old and another Blues loanee Christophe Dugarry are premature.

Zarate announced his arrival in the Premier League with a brace against Manchester City and a superb free-kick equaliser against Everton.

O'Neill said: "He looks a real handful.

"I obviously didn't know him beforehand but he has turned games for them.

"He scored a wonder goal for them and his performance when he got a couple of goals against City - he looked a real handful.

"I think Birmingham will probably try their best to keep him."

Ex-AC Milan, Barcelona and Marseille striker Dugarry famously helped Blues beat the drop in 2003/04 after arriving on loan from Bordeaux.

O'Neill said: "Dugarry had already proved himself. He was already an established and definitely top-quality footballer.

"He was really top quality. We played against him when he was at Bordeaux.

"He was already well established. This boy Zarate is up and coming.

"If they keep him (he could do likewise).. like anything else if they keep him."