Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish wants to avoid second season blues next term.

McLeish has performed a minor miracle after spending only £10million on new signings last summer but steering Blues into the top half of the Barclays Premier League.

But he said: "The progress we have made this season has exceeded my expectations but can we do it again next season? That's the challenge for us.

"People talk about 'second season syndrome' and there have been clubs who have suffered from that before.

"But I believe I have got the character in the dressing room to maintain the Premier League status we have achieved this season so well.

"We want to become established in the Premier League."