Source: Team_Talk
McLeish sends out warning to Tigers
irmingham boss Alex McLeish has warned that his angry players are out to make Hull City suffer in their Premier League match at St Andrew's.[LNB] Birmingham are still smarting from last weekend's 5-1 drubbing at Manchester City.[LNB]They are determined to make amends for their worst result of the season and McLeish hopes that will spell trouble for relegation-threatened Hull.[LNB]McLeish said: "The players were annoyed and they will be smarting, particularly the ones at the back.[LNB]"But I've seen bigger teams battered before such as Manchester United losing five against Newcastle United a few years ago and they still won the league.[LNB]"I remember the way Sir Alex Ferguson flipped that result off his shoulder as if was a bit of dandruff.[LNB]"That is the measure of a team which believes in themselves. I think I have fellows who believe in themselves and they know they are better than that.[LNB]"To lose five goals with a team which has been quite mean was a surprise.[LNB]"We have been strong as a team but at Manchester City there was suddenly a salvo just before half-time which I could not see coming.[LNB]"Their top four are electric. Adam Johnson's pace and ability in the wide area was formidable, while the experience of Tevez, Adebayor and Bellamy was frightening.[LNB]"But we know we cannot afford to keep shipping goals like we did at Manchester City."[LNB]While Birmingham have struggled on the road recently, having lost their last three away games, they are unbeaten at home since September.[LNB]It is a record that McLeish wants to see extended and he added: "We have had some terrific home form and I am mindful of this record.[LNB]"I think that we have shown that whoever has come to St Andrew's this season we have made it tough for them.[LNB]"If we give the level of performance we gave against Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool we will be confident of playing anyone at St Andrew's.[LNB]"If Hull are a little bit apprehensive on their travels and a wee bit vulnerable because of their position, we have got to capitalise on that."[LNB]Despite Hull's precarious position and Birmingham's impressive run at St Andrew's, McLeish is not taking anything for granted.[LNB]He said: "The points are still there to be won for Hull. That is what every team has to cling on to and is the reality of the situation.[LNB]"They are obviously in a bad position but they can get enough points to stay up.[LNB]"I am sure that Iain Dowie will be focussing upon this situation despite having a bad result when they lost at home to Burnley last week.[LNB]"It was a shock result on the day but it just shows how other teams are fighting.[LNB]"Whether they come to St Andrew's with no nerves is debatable.[LNB]"They have struggled on their travels but they have some quality in their team which can get the points on the day."[LNB]Birmingham recall on-loan goalkeeper Joe Hart after he missed the mauling against Manchester City as he was not allowed to face his parent club.
