Birmingham must play without fear

Birmingham City’s joint first-team coach, Peter Grant, has told his side they cannot be worried about Sunday’s crunch clash with Fulham.

Birmingham are 16th, just three points above the relegation zone, although both Blackpool and Wolves could make their position even more perilous by winning on Saturday.

And Grant admits the game with Fulham is absolutely vital, but he believes his side deserve to stay up due to their performances this season.

“Let’s not kid ourselves, we’d rather be sitting nicely in seventh or eighth, safe and comfortable, but we’re not,” he said.

“The players are more than disappointed at some of the points we have not picked up.”

“We should have had more, and we’ve let points drop for silly reasons.”

“That’s a big thing. That shows the level we are. Some teams are happy to just survive, we’re not, we’ve wanted more than that.”

“I’m sure the guys will be ready on Sunday. You can sense it with them.”

“They’re desperate to do well, they’ve got the bit between their teeth and are desperate to remain Premier League players.”

“It’s a massive game and you can’t go into them with any fear.”

“There’s nervous energy, for sure, and excitement about the game, but you can’t go in with any fear. You have to look forward to the challenge.

“They will do their utmost so that Birmingham stay in the league. Over the piece, I think we’ve deserved to, but you’ve got to do that, prove it.”

“You can deserve something without actually grabbing it – and we’ve got to grab it Sunday.”

But Birmingham will have to do without top scorer Craig Gardner and defender Liam Ridgewell, both of whom are suspended.

Nikola Zigic is also unlikely to play as he battles hip and groin injuries.