HUGHTON PLAYS DOWN CHANCES

Birmingham City manager Chris Hughton has said that he had the opportunity to finish in the play-offs this season, but are facing a tough run of fixtures.

Birmingham City have the chance to secure their place in the play-off positions, which will guarantee them the opportunity to fight for a place in the Premier league next season.

However, they will be facing the likes of West Ham in the remaining matches, and Chris Hughton considers that Birmingham City do have a tough fixture list in the final few matches of the season. Birmingham City now need a point from their remaining two matches in order to secure their play-off position. The latest football odds make them firm favourites to qualify.

Even though it is highly unlikely that they will be able to throw away such a good position, Chris Hughton has warned his players against complacency.

Birmingham City went into the match against Ipswich town without a number of first-team players, but were unable to get a credible draw against the side from Portman road. They have also lost Steven Caldwell to injury in the first half, which only complicated matters for Chris Hughton. They now trail West Ham by eight points with only two matches remaining.

They will be facing Barnsley in the next match followed by leaders Reading on the final day of the Championship season.

“We are close, but we have got to play two very, very tough games,” said Hughton. “They don’t come as tough as Brighton away – irrespective of their recent form – and Reading at home. But I am desperate for this group of boys to get over the line. They have been excellent all season. They deserve it, for the amount of games they’ve played and the spirit they’ve shown,” Hughton said after the 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town.