James McFadden urges Birmingham City to step out of the shadow of Aston Villa

Apr 7 2010 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

JAMES McFadden says Blues have surpassed all expectations this season – but must strive to get even better.

And the Scotland star admits it reminds him of his time at Everton, as Blues attempt to compete with a city rival perceived to be more illustrious.

Everton were driven on by being in the shadow of neighbours Liverpool and the Blues dressing room harbours similar feelings towards Villa, he reveals.

“No, I didn’t think we would have such a good season,” says the forward. “You set your stall out to be the team above the relegation zone, but we’ve surpassed all expectations and it’s only because of the group of players we’ve got.

“But we want to go higher and higher, see how high we can get. I think regardless of how you do, you can always improve. The manager has shown since he came in that there is going to be gradual rotation of the team, some players will go, some players will come in.

“It’s just the way football is and, to make sure we don’t rest on our laurels, we need to do that in the summer.