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McLeish: 'Match for anyone'

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Alex McLeish has called on his Birmingham side to regain their self belief ahead of Saturday's visit of Manchester City.

The Blues have won only one of their last 12 Premier League games and have slipped to only one point off the relegation zone.

But McLeish says he has seen enough in their recent displays at St Andrews to suggest they can turn the corner and pick up three crucial points again Sven Goran Eriksson's men.

McLeish told the club's official website: "I expect us to replicate the performances that we've given of late at home in the first half of the Newcastle game, the Chelsea game and the Arsenal game.

"If we can show that form we're a match for anybody, but we need to turn some of the tangible work into three points.

Big challenge

"In general, since I came in I haven't really seen any really bad performances and certainly in our home games we've been a tough nut to crack and the Manchester City game is a big challenge for us.

"Equally we haven't taken enough three pointers which is why we're in this position, but it doesn't mean we can't take them in the coming weeks."

McLeish admits the loss of James McFadden has been a major blow but has every confidence in his side to prove they are "top Premier League" players and avoid the drop.

The City boss added: "I emphasise that we believe in the guys coming in maybe a little bit more than they believe in themselves sometimes.

Little doubts

"They've just got to free themselves of any little doubts that they have and show that they are top Premier League players.

"But obviously with the season running out nobody has any time to waste.

"Quite simply if you get in you make sure you justify yourself and justify playing for this club."