ALEX McLeish has talked of Blues ‘‘getting over the line’’ as soon as possible.

With four games remaining they should just have done enough already to ensure they are in the Premier League again next season.

But if there are more nightmare performances like the one that unfolded at Anfield, it will be a stagger, not a swagger, to the finish – if that.

The drubbing equalled their biggest defeat under McLeish and as helping hands go, Blues offered Liverpool the Kenny Everett variety (ie massive).

It wasn’t that Liverpool were absolutely scintillating and on another planet.

Yes, their movement, sharpness and inter-play was miles better once they were ahead. Oh, if only Blues could have someone like Luis Suarez at the top end of the pitch.

But Blues were shoddy and too often all at sea after gifting Liverpool two goals by the 23rd minute.

It’s not often you describe them as such and, you would hope, all are embarrassed by what they offered up and will be stung into action when Wolves visit on Sunday in what could be a pivotal game for both.

They have been biffed before by five goals during McLeish’s reign, but this was deeply disturbing because of its timing at such a critical juncture in the season and due to the fact that so many players can do much better, individually and collectively.

Barry Ferguson was rested by McLeish. A big decision. He hasn’t quite been on the spot consistently with his distribution in recent games and McLeish revealed that he has not trained for four weeks and was leg weary. Plus, he has been out there nursing cracked ribs since the Carling Cup final.