Revenge not the issue for McLeish

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish insists revenge isn't the issue when his team go to Portsmouth despite their FA Cup exit at Fratton Park on Saturday.

Blues make an instant return to the South Coast in the Premier League following their 2-0 FA Cup defeat.

A Frederic Piquionne double helped crisis club Pompey forget their financial woes and book a semi-final clash with either Tottenham or Fulham.

But, despite missing out on a Wembley date, Blues boss McLeish isn't thinking about revenge and is just hunting a win against the Premier League basement boys.

He said: "Revenge isn't a word we use. We played well, certainly in the first 45 minutes, and we came in pretty comfortable at half time. But we didn't get a goal so it makes it a very dangerous game.

"You can never rest. They got a goal from a set piece which was fortunate and from then we're chasing the game. We went for it but never got the breakthrough or lifeline which would have given us a Calvary charge.

"We've achieved a lot this season and done nothing to be ashamed of. Even Manchester United and Liverpool go out of the Cup sometimes."

Their exit ended any hopes of bringing silverware to St Andrew's this season and with top flight survival all but achieved there is a relaxed atmosphere at the club, who are ninth in the table.

But McLeish is sure his squad will not switch off and maintains they are motivated enough to achieve their goals in the final 11 games of the season.

He said: "We've still got to show pride and commitment. Other teams have put their tools away when they've got to 40 points and I've spoken to managers who have been at clubs when that's happened. I'm determined not to let it happen here.

"The players have to rely on the guys in the dressing room, they have that drive, energy and collective power. They inspire each other in the season and they have to keep doing it.

"To be neck and neck with a team like Everton is frightening considering the difference in resources."

McLeish hasn't had problems in raising spirits again ahead of tonight's clash declaring himself and his side ready to go.

He said: "I expect us to bounce back whenever we've had a reverse. You've got to go and pick everyone up and the first person who has to be picked up is the manager. You have to do it yourself.

"The one thing I've learned is if you come in on Monday morning looking as if you're doomed everyone feels it.

"We were in a worse state with one game to go last season when we had to play Reading away after having blown the chance to beat Preston and secure promotion.

"That was a worse feeling, this is like smoking a cigar compared to that. We have a good group who care about it, I would hate to have players who don't care, they care and it's all part of their development.

"We still have a lot of young players who are inexperienced in the Premier League. It will stand them in good stead and they know what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

McLeish has no new injury worries but will start rotating his squad now survival is almost a certainty and has praised them for their efforts this season.

He said: "You can't flog people. We've got a few players over 30 and they've been fantastic but sometimes people get mentally tired and it won't do them any harm to get rested.

"It's now appropriate for me to utilise the squad. Lots of guys have been kicking their heels and quite rightly haven't banged on the door because they know how well the team has done.

"It's more about using the squad and seeing what the other guys can do. They have never broken the door down but I've told them to be patient."

Pompey boss Avram Grant is without John Utaka (groin) and Hassan Yebda (knee) while Ricardo Rocha is again suspended.