McLeish backs rivals to rise

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish believes it is only a matter of time before city rivals Aston Villa begin to edge clear of the relegation zone.Villa will head to St Andrew's for the Birmingham derby on Sunday in the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League, and McLeish is surprised Gerard Houllier`s side are struggling this season."Is it a surprise to see Villa in the bottom three? The Premier League is unforgiving. It is not to be taken for granted," said the Scot."I would never do that and I don't think Gerard Houllier (Villa manager) would either. Villa have got a lot of good players and I'm sure they won't be there at the end of the season."