Alex McLeish has told Blues that they had better start aiming high if they are to avoid serious trouble.

A vital win at West Ham United sent Blues into a key period of home fixtures – beginning with Stoke City’s visit on Saturday – confident of beating the drop.

But McLeish said he believed the points tally needed this season in the Premier League could be higher than usual.

Therefore his side must continue to churn out more victories like the one at Upton Park.

“In terms of a points target, it’s difficult to say but everyone talks about the magical 40,” mused McLeish.

“But I think West Ham had 40-odd one season and still got relegated. So I think it could be quite a high score this time.

“The league has been incredible this season. There is little difference between tenth, 11th place and the bottom.

“I don’t think there have been desperate performances by the teams down there.

“For us, it’s about building on the last couple of results, getting those back to back wins.”

Meanwhile, Peter Grant has insisted that there’s no better manager than McLeish at handling the pressure of Blues league predicament.

His experiences north of the border and at national level have been invaluable, said the joint first team coach.

And it’s not just on-pitch matters, it’s maintaining an equilibrium when the January window kicked in too.

“He’s been fantastic,” Grant said. “Once you’ve managed a club like Rangers there’s no problem, he’s done it with Scotland as well.

“When you’ve done it in the Old Firm you’re prepared for any battle and he’s handled it fantastically well.

“The window is a tough time because you’ve got to get your players, and although your scouting network never stops because you’re looking at games all year, all of a sudden you’ve got to pick players in that month.

“A lot goes on. Plus there are a hell of a lot of games with the cup as well.

“It does take its toll on you. We get tired like everybody else – but he does a fantastic job.

“I think it’s great when you come into a battle and you’ve got someone leading you with that presence of being there before and doing it all before.

“The pressure that comes with being in the Old Firm helps him handle it in the Premier League.

“We have got a major battle ahead of us but there’s no-one else I’d rather have leading us than Alex McLeish, that’s for sure.”