Birmingham City Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Chris Hughton

• Ground:St Andrew's
• Capacity:30,016

McLeish admits victory relief

28 Jan 2009 - 10:35:53

Click To Enlarge

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish admitted Tuesday's victory over Derby County was 'hugely important' in the context of their season.

Lee Carsley's second-half strike in a 1-0 win was a first in five games for the Blues, who had seen their promotion push stall in recent weeks.

McLeish had come in for criticism from unhappy supporters following last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Blackpool.

"It was a hugely important victory. Obviously after a dismal performance at the weekend, we would like to think that we'll come out and play like Brazil tonight, but I don't think that was ever going to be the case," he told the club's official website.

"You could see some nerves on show, but I don't think you could say the spirit or determination of the players wasn't there and indeed the perseverance.

"I thought we showed great energy and urgency in every part of the pitch.

"We needed that little shot in the arm for our confidence and the players are delighted in the dressing room."