March 1st, 2010 by Adam Davies

For every newly promoted team to the Premier League, survival is the ultimate priority. Forty points is the benchmark for safety, and many pundits’ tip for relegation Birmingham City have reached that mark with three months of the season to spare. A win over Wigan Athletic thanks to a strongly disputed penalty from James McFadden was the clinching goal, but Wigan will be ruing a series of chances spurned by their players – with Hugo Rodallega the prime culprit.

Birmingham’s season has been built on a foundation of a strong defence. Goalkeeper Joe Hart was snapped up on loan from Manchester City after they signed Irishman Shay Given, while central defence pair Roger Johnson and Scott Dann were both signed from Coca-Cola Championship sides Cardiff City and Coventry City respectively. Few imagined they would have such an impenetrable spine with players inexperienced in top-level football, but Alex McLeish has organised this Birmingham side superbly. If they maintain this form they could even push for a place in Europe, with many of their players hoping to be called up for national selection before this summer’s World Cup in South Africa. The future certainly looks bright at present for Birmingham City, and tickets are still available for this weekend’s clash with Blackburn at Ewood Park.

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