CHRIS HUGHTON has admitted this is a ‘big week’ for his Blues side.

Tonight they face Leeds United at St Andrew’s in one of their games in hand (7.45), intent on making another upward move in the Championship table.

And Blues then face Brighton & Hove Albion at home on Saturday before the Europa League return against Club Bruges.

Blues are 14th in the Championship but with three games to catch up on. Nine extra points would put them in second place as the table stands now.

“The team is certainly getting better,” said Hughton, who has ruled out Pablo (concussion) and Wade Elliott (calf) from tonight’s clash.

“If I look what we’ve been able to do with regards to clean sheets, there is more of a solidness about the team and more of a unity.

“And I think that comes with playing so many games because it gives the players an opportunity to gel and we’re going to need that because it’s a big week this week with two really tough home games.

‘‘We’re going to need all of that to get results in both of them.

“When you’re in the position we’re in, it’s always a positive that you can look at those games in hand and you know you’ve got the grace of those games.

“You know that if you were to get a percentage of those points then it would certainly move you up the table – but you have got to get some of those points.