Hughton backs Blues to cope

Birmingham boss Chris Hughton believes his side's unflagging spirit can help them cope with a demanding schedule after Wade Elliott's goal earned a shock 1-0 win at Wolves in an FA Cup replay.

Elliott's second-half effort settled what was, due to their Europa League commitments, the 36th game Blues have been involved in already this season. They will now visit Sheffield United in the fourth round and will play a minimum of 58 matches during the current campaign.

But Hughton said: "All we are trying to do on our side is to be positive about everything. We have played on average eight more games than most teams in our division but at this moment there is a real good spirit in the team. There is a group who want to play, no-one has come in and told me they are tired. That is where we are at this moment."

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