Source: Team_Talk
McLeish certain Blues can compete
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is confident his players can compete with anybody in the Barclays Premier League ahead of Sunday's home derby clash with Aston Villa.
McLeish spent only £10million during the summer transfer window compared to the £40million splashed out by his Villa counterpart Martin O'Neill.
But McLeish has taken encouragement from City's start to the season after gaining promotion from the Coca -Cola Championship.
They have taken four points from their opening two home matches with Portsmouth and Stoke, suffered a single-goal defeat at Manchester United and lost 2-1 away to Tottenham to a 95th minute goal.
McLeish told Press Association Sport: "I've not been unhappy with the performances at all and even the chances we've created.
"It's frustrating we haven't converted some of the chances but, if we keep making them, I am confident people like Gary O'Connor and Christian Benitez will get goals.
"The defence has also done well despite the problems we've had there with injuries. We have certainly coped well with things.
"Am I happy with the squad for the next four months? From what I've seen from these players, I am confident they can compete with anybody.
"I'm not saying they will beat everybody but I feel they've got the spirit and determination - and no little skill from what we witnessed in the second half at Tottenham. They can strut their stuff quality-wise also."
McLeish believes Birmingham are a better side than the one defeated 5-1 at Villa Park two seasons ago - a result which effectively sealed their relegation from the top flight.
He said: "Villa were on a real charge at the time. I've had many disappointing experiences in the past but you've got to move on. You don't dwell on them.
"I don't see the point of dredging it up again. We lost the game heavily against our biggest rivals and it was disappointing but you move on and look forward.
"Maybe tactically we went too open against them but we are a better team now."
McLeish is weighing up whether to hand a full debut to striker Benitez.
Benitez has impressed when coming on as a substitute since his summer move from Santos Laguna after slowly building up his fitness following a shoulder operation.
It may depend on Benitez's physical condition after not returning until late on Friday from two World Cup qualifiers with Ecuador.
Cameron Jerome is again sidelined with an ankle injury while former Villa striker Kevin Phillips is likely to be amongst the substitutes against his former club.
