Hodgson doesn't expect Cup blues

04 March 2011 16:00
West Brom boss Roy Hodgson is expecting no Birmingham hangover from their Carling Cup success to take advantage of in Saturday's vital clash between the sides at St. Andrew's. Hodgson believes Blues manager Alex McLeish will have his side fully focused on the battle for Barclays Premier League points after the shock Wembley triumph over Arsenal. Albion are just one point above the relegation zone but only one adrift of City. Hodgson said: "It was a fantastic achievement by Birmingham last weekend. It is not easy for a club like Birmingham - or ourselves - to win trophies. "Perhaps they will still be hung over - but I doubt it very much. Alex is an experienced manager and I am sure he will be preaching the importance of putting their cup triumph behind them. "He will be saying they can only really enjoy that success if they stay in the Premier League and some of the gloss will be taken off it if they go down. "It is a game both sides want to win. Birmingham are not safe from the threat of relegation and both of us are looking over our shoulder at the relegation zone."

Source: PA