ALEX McLeish knows Bolton will pose a tough test for Blues tomorrow but the sort of test his side must pass regularly in the coming weeks to retain their Premiership status.
Owen Coyle’s side will arrive at St Andrew’s seventh in the table after a strong season, though encouragement for Blues comes from Bolton’s away record.
They have won just two of 15 Premier League matches on their travels this term, averaging less than a goal a game in them.
They won at St Andrew’s three weeks ago, though, to book an FA Cup semi-final against Stoke and McLeish knows his team must relocate their form as they strive, in the longer-term, to emulate tomorrow’s opponents.
“Bolton are a great team but for us to maintain Premier League status, we have to beat Premier League teams,” the manager said.
“They have been that for the past ten years and they have a fantastic infrastructure. Development over that period of time allows you to build and gives you a solid base. That’s what they have done and that’s what we are striving to achieve.”
