Alex McLeish’s warning to Blues
Friday 29th October 2010, 7:38AM BST.
Alex McLeish has warned his Blues team to keep their discipline in the pressure-cooker derby atmosphere.
McLeish’s men are bidding to stop the rot after losing their last six games against Villa after their trip across the city tomorrow.
The last, a 1-0 reverse at Villa Park in the spring, was arguably the most controversial of all after Martin Atkinson awarded Villa a late penalty for what looked a fair challenge by Roger Johnson on Gabby Agbonlahor.
Johnson was fined £7,500 for branding the referee a “disgrace”, while skipper Stephen Carr landed a one-match ban after making an obscene gesture at Villa fans.
And McLeish admits his players must learn to keep their cool.
“I wouldn’t have any doubts about any of my players because they have proved themselves in the last couple of games versus Villa,” he said.
“But sometimes in a derby game it is about temperament. I know the players have that in their locker but they are the guys who have to go over the white line and produce.”
Alex Hleb (knee) and Michel (shin) have been declared fit.
UK Sport
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