Alex McLeish has demanded a big performance from his Birmingham side as the club battle to defend their Premiership status for next season. The Blues are a point behind Reading and Bolton.

"I'm pretty bullish and positive about the whole thing," said McLeish. "This is a huge game. It is the most important game of the season for us.

"The players now have to step up to the plate and endorse my words with a big performance.

"It is time for them to roll up their sleeves and get out there and show how much it means to them as individuals and how much it would enhance their reputations to remain in the Premier League.

"There have been occasions this season when they have left their form in the dressing room. Against the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, West Ham and Spurs they were all spirited performances.

"But for some reason in some other games we have not been able to get up to that standard.

"Obviously, there is a balancing act for me. Some players are young and inexperienced and having to learn the hard way how to cope."