Alex McLeish encouraged by Birmingham City result against Newcastle

Mar 18 2008 By Colin Tattum

BLUES manager Alex McLeish insisted that they would go into the Easter Saturday game at Reading in good heart following last night's performance against Newcastle United.

Despite disappointment at not holding onto the lead, he said Blues continued to please him.

McLeish added that the form of James McFadden, who scored his fourth goal for the club in the 1-1 draw, also offered plenty of encouragement.

Inevitably tagged a 'must win' game last night due to Newcastle's precarious position in the table as well, the trip to the Royals has been described similarly.

"You can't call it a 'must win' until it is a 'must win'," was McLeish's measured verdict.

"It was an important game last night, like it is on Saturday.

"Nothing was ever going to be decided against Newcastle.

"People might say we've dropped two points, we will see at the end of the season whether it's a point gained or not.

"If we can keep picking them up and try to stay above the teams around us, then we hope a point like last night's could be gold dust.

"If we can do that, and especially win two or three games, then I think this team is capable of staying up."