Birmingham boss Alex McLeish sees home form as key for Premiership survival next season. The Blues actually begin the Premier League campaign away at Manchester United on August 15.

"We had to go to Old Trafford sometime," the manager said.

"It's a great challenge. I remember a couple of years ago Reading went there on the opening day and dug out a draw and Newcastle did the same last season. We will approach the game in a positive frame of mind and we'll prepare for every game the same way, whether we're playing Manchester United or a team from the bottom half of the table."

McLeish told the Birmingham Mail: "Winning at St Andrew's will be such an important part of our aim of staying in the league, finishing in the 'top 17'.

"Last time in the Premier League we had a good record at home but the problem we had was drawing too many games. That cost us in the end.

"Stoke proved that winning the majority of your home games can keep you up.

"It is something we have got to take on board and the backing of our own supporters at home will be a help too."