Barry Ferguson slams Blues' critics

Midfielder Barry Ferguson has hit back at Birmingham's critics and insisted Blues don't deserve to be slammed.

Alex McLeish's side claimed their first Premier League win since August with a routine 2-0 victory over Blackpool at St Andrew's on Saturday.

And Ferguson, instrumental in the triumph, rounded on Blues' detractors after they ended their six game winless streak in the Premier League.

He said: "We've had a wee bit of criticism and it's hurt a few of the players.

"Actually, it hurt all of the players and I think on Saturday we showed just what we could do. The criticism has been unfair and we've been unlucky in certain games.

"The lads don't need me to tell them anything. There are enough characters in the dressing room for them to know how important those three points were."

Blues were booed off after a 2-0 defeat to Everton in their last St Andrew's outing - their first home defeat in a year - and Ferguson conceded fans have a right to voice their views.

He said: "That's up to people here. They pay good money.

"We played well against Arsenal last week but we had to get three points on Saturday, there was no doubt about that."

After tomorrow's Carling Cup visit of Brentford, all eyes will be on the trip to Villa Park for the derby but Ferguson insisted last season's controversial 1-0 defeat is history.

He said: "I don't think back, I'm only interested in the future. They'll be right up for it and we will too.

"It's a game I always look forward to. I love derby games."