Alex McLeish has challenged his Birmingham players to “become heroes overnight” by triumphing over Aston Villa in Sunday’s crunch derby at Villa Park.
Blues will be underdogs when they tackle Martin O’Neill’s side, who are still refusing to give up hope of securing a European spot.
But McLeish is expecting another committed performance from his side and wants to transfer some of their formidable home form away from St Andrew’s.
The former Scotland boss said: “We are not favourites but, in approaching this game, I don’t think we will move too far from the template we put down to the players when I first arrived here.
“It is a derby game, they will be up for it, and Villa on paper should win. They have been in scintillating form and their confidence will have rocketed after two performances laced with goals.
“It is a tough game for us but I also say it is an occasion where people can become heroes overnight.”
McLeish will check on the fitness of midfielder Sebastian Larsson (knee) and striker Mikael Forssell (ankle) before finalising his line-up. Damien Johnson is suspended.
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