Birmingham make plans for new signings

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will put the emphasis on signing quality players this summer as he looks to build on the club's shock Carling Cup triumph.

But McLeish, whose side host West Brom on Saturday, will only bring in players who can fit in with the current squad.

City's spirit and character have been key components in their success of the past two seasons and McLeish does not want that disrupted.

He said: "I think this achievement (winning the Carling Cup) can be a spur.

"If we continue to attract the right players, with the right character and determination, then you are always going to have a chance.

"The quality factor is very important to me. We really need to concentrate on bringing the quality in.

"But you just can't bring in a player of quality if he doesn't have the determination and desire that this group of players have.

"They have a fantastic spirit and never-say-die attitude."

McLeish is aware of the need for Blues to put the cup triumph behind them and return to the bread and butter of ensuring Barclays Premier League survival.

He said: "Winning the cup was one of those things you dream about as a kid. We have to savour it and no-one can take away from us what happened on Sunday.

"But we now move onto the serious stuff in the league and making sure we stay up."