Blues boss now wants focus on league

Birmingham manager Chris Hughton has called for focus as the club head to Crystal Palace free of Europa League distractions for the first time this season.

Blues go to Selhurst Park on Monday after bowing out of Europe last night, despite a 1-0 win in the final group game against Maribor at St Andrew's.

The Europa League and the Championship have gone very much hand-in-hand for Hughton's men this season but now promotion back to the Premier League is the only goal.

They may be six points away from the play-offs but two games in hand leave them suitably placed to hit the top six and the manager wants action.

He said: "The league campaign very quickly takes over with difficult games away to Crystal Palace on Monday and at home to West Ham.

"We need very much to focus on them. We need to be where we want to be in this division which is going to be a very tough ask.

"You want to be in contention to have a go. What will stand in our way is a lot of other teams will think the same way.

"I don't think I've ever seen this division as competitive as it is now and I can see that going through right to the end of the season.

"As long as we are in there with a fighting chance, it will be very much in our own hands."