Source: Daily_Mail
Alex McLeish up for the cup - but not if Birmingham are going down
Seeking a silver lining: But staying in the top flight is manager McLeish's top priority for Birmingham[LNB]Alex McLeish wants to bring silverware to Birmingham but admits it would be a 'disaster' if it came at the expense of their Barclays Premier League status. [LNB]Blues manager McLeish is to field a strong side in the Carling Cup quarter-final with local rivals Aston Villa at St Andrew's. [LNB]It represents a golden chance for City to reach the last four - given Villa's lengthy injury list - for the first time since they lost to Liverpool in the 2001 final. [LNB]But McLeish knows winning the competition will count for little if Birmingham were also to be relegated.[LNB]City are just three points above the drop zone.[LNB]He said: 'The draw has been kind to us with four home games this season and we've got to try and take advantage again. [LNB]'We're now in the quarter-finals and we've got to look to try and go all the way. [LNB]'We know that on paper Villa would still be the stronger team although, at St Andrew's, I wouldn't back against Birmingham, against anyone. [LNB]'Against Villa I've got to play as strong a team as I can.'[LNB] McLeish added: 'It would be great to lift some silverware but the Premier League is our priority, our bread and butter. [LNB]'If we lifted the Carling Cup and were relegated, that would be a disaster.'[LNB] McLeish enjoyed plenty of derby success against Celtic when in charge of Rangers but is still to taste victory over Villa. [LNB]But he stressed the need for his players to stay calm and focused if they are to have a chance of overcoming Gerard Houllier's side. [LNB] Fiery affair: Birmingham's derby clash with Vlla could be a Carling Cup cracker[LNB]He said: 'I wouldn't say I'm desperate (to win) because before every game you've got to have in mind that things might not go your way. [LNB]'If you do have that attitude, you can relax and go about it the right way. [LNB]'If you go into every game desperate and frantic and anxious about winning, then it is difficult to function. [LNB]'I'm aware it might not go for us but it would be nice to think we are due a victory. [LNB]'I'm sorry, as far as Blues fans are concerned, that I can't guarantee that. But we will do everything in our power to make the Blues fans happy by the end of tonight.'[LNB] Former Villa midfielder Craig Gardner could return after missing two games with an ankle problem. But on-loan Barcelona midfielder Alexander Hleb is ruled out with a hamstring injury.[LNB] Scott Dann and Roger Johnson: Say hello to Birmingham's odd coupleChelsea eyeing move for Birmingham head of recruitment MontgomeryBIRMINGHAM v Aston Villa: Craig Gardner in race to face old employers as Alexander Hleb sits outBirmingham v ASTON VILLA: Gabriel Agbonlahor back for Villa as striker shakes off illnessAlexander Hleb had to hang his head after Birmingham snub for Chelsea gameBIRMINGHAM CITY FC
