McLeish not counting his chickens

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish refuses to believe a derby victory against Wolves would guarantee Premier League survival.

Blues lie eighth in the table, 13 points off the drop zone, after one defeat in 14 league games and a win at St Andrew's tomorrow would leave them on 37 points.

But McLeish says his team cannot rest and must continue to prove they are worthy of their top flight status.

He said: "I don't think you can stop and say '37, that's fine'. We earned our spurs to get into the Premier League but we've got to earn the right to stay there.

"They say 40 is the magical cut-off point and the way things are you'd think we'd be safe but we can't afford to look too far ahead.

"There are 45 points to play for and we want to take as many as we can."

And he says the squad are determined to complete a double over Wolves and edge closer to safety.

He said: "We're at home against Wolves with the bragging rights up for grabs. They're our neighbours, we want to win it, they want to win it and we believe home advantage will give us the edge.

"If you're a fly on the wall in the dressing you will see how much it means to the players."

The form of Barry Ferguson has been a major factor in Blues' success this season, with the midfielder on the verge of ending his exile from the Scotland squad.

The 31-year-old had been banned by former boss George Burley for serious breaches of disciple but new national chief Craig Levein is eager to recall him.

But McLeish says Ferguson should be wary of returning to the international scene.

He said: "Managers rotate after internationals so he's got to consider that. I'm not trying to threatening him but he's got to be aware of it.

"I'm building a squad here which is why I brought Michel and Gardner. In the event Barry is tired or the edge is off him we have these guys ready

"It's hard to combine the two at the age of 31, if Barry was 24 it wouldn't be a problem but from a Scotland point of view I can see why they want him."