McLeish: Fortune required to survive

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish thinks luck will play a huge part in the English Premier League relegation dog-fight.

McLeish’s men are three points clear of the drop zone with a game in hand ahead of Sunderland’s visit on Saturday.

“To avoid relegation you need a little bit of luck. Sometimes things can go against you and that can be a factor,” McLeish said.

“Things can go wrong on a given day but if they give me that level of commitment and performance, I wouldn’t be criticising if a result goes against us.”

“We said a few weeks ago that it was a nine-game league for us and we had to get as many points as we could.”

“We have taken four out of six and now just have to try and take as many points in the run-in as we can.”

“I have not got a clue how many points keep you up this season but we will try and get points in every single game we have left.”

“We have got some very hard games, some games which people will expect us to get nothing from, but we’ve been in that situation before this season and caused surprises.”

“At home, if we apply ourselves and perform to the level we have done in the last two games, then I have got to be confident about this team.”

Sunderland are on a miserable run of a draw and seven defeats out of their last eight matches, but McLeish thinks their run proves just how strong the Premier League is this season.

“It’s amazing (Sunderland’s slump). That tells you the competitive nature of the Premier League. Nobody is safe,” the Scot said.

“I’m sure (Sunderland boss) Steve Bruce would like to be in a better position coming into the game.”

“But at the end of the day they’re a good, dangerous side.”

“We line up at St. Andrew’s now for another cup final and it’s a big pressure game for them.”

Defender Curtis Davies (knee) faces a late fitness test but Birmingham will definitely be without Martin Jiranek (toe) and midfielder Jean Beausejour (hamstring).