Birmingham City winger Gary McSheffrey says they can beat the drop - because the Premiership is so poor.

Surveying the standard of the top flight, the winger's assessment was damning.

But that meant good news for Blues, who have been relegated in each of their last two campaigns at this level.

"It sounds weird but I think it's the worst Premier League in years," McSheffrey told the Birmingham Mail.

"If you're ever going to stay up, this is the season to stay up because there are some average teams about - they are not particularly massive clubs in the division.

"Look at some who are in the Championship - they've been in the Premier League for years.

"So it's a great opportunity to stay up, push on to mid-table even, and I think this is the year to do it."