You are in > manchester.com  > News > Blues players must rise to the challenge insists McLeish

General Sport

Blues players must rise to the challenge insists McLeish

03/05/2008

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish says his players must realise what is at stake and raise their game if they are to stay in the Premier League.

McLeish says they must absorb the pressure and use it to their advantage to ensure they beat the drop.

The Blues are currently on 32 points, one point adrift of Bolton and Reading who are both just above the relegation zone, but the Blues do have a better goal difference.

Birmingham face Fulham today, who are also battling relegation, and McLeish says it is crucial that his players show the necessary passion and commitment in their final two games of the season.

He said: "At some stage they have to have their backs to the wall and realise what's at stake. They've got to realise how important this game is for both themselves and the football club."

Despite creditable draws with Liverpool and Everton recently a run of one win in eight matches has seen the Blues slip into the danger zone.

McLeish says his side must show that they are good enough to be a Premier League side and prove some experts wrong at the same time.

He said: "I think as well they have to prove people wrong because a lot of people have now tipped us to go down.

"I've always enjoyed that challenge and trying to show people that I'll fight to the very death and the players should be the same."

The Blues face Blackburn Rovers in their final match so their clash with Fulham will be vital to their Premier League survival.