Alex McLeish hits out at Birmingham City players

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has hit out at his players' behaviour just days before Survival Sunday.

A number of players stayed out late this week after the club's end-of-season awards night.

Blues travel to Tottenham on Sunday needing to at least match Wigan and Blackpool's results to avoid the drop.

After hearing of their conduct, he said: "I told the players it was a gross error of judgement.

"They've taken it on the chin and have to give a big performance. Sometimes you can't defend the indefensible."

The players were attending the end-of-season gala on Monday but the night was soured with reports that players, including goalkeepers Ben Foster and Colin Doyle, were drinking until four in the morning.

Boss McLeish emphasised that many members of the squad were not involved at all but fully understood the frustrations that some supporters have.

"It wasn't the right timing and I have every sympathy with the fans but we realise we have a big battle at the weekend to have one of the greatest seasons in Birmingham's history," McLeish added.