Hodgson believes Blues manager Alex McLeish will have his side fully focused on the battle for Premier League points after the shock Wembley triumph over Arsenal. Albion are just one point above the relegation zone but only one adrift of City. Hodgson said: "It was a fantastic achievement by Birmingham last weekend. "It is not easy for a club like Birmingham - or ourselves - to win trophies. "Perhaps they will still be hung over - but I doubt it very much. "Alex is an experienced manager and I am sure he will be preaching the importance of putting their cup triumph behind them. "He will be saying they can only really enjoy that success if they stay in the Premier League and some of the gloss will be taken off it if they go down. "It is a game both sides want to win. Birmingham are not safe from the threat of relegation and both of us are looking over our shoulder at the relegation zone." Hodgson will be looking for Carlos Vela to continue his impressive form since joining Albion on loan from Arsenal. Vela scored a last-gasp equaliser against Wolves a fortnight ago and did the same against Stoke in Monday's 1-1 away draw. Hodgson said: "He has looked good. He is a very dangerous player to bring on in games. "Teams do tire and he is very skilful and can score goals. He has proved that with the chances he has taken. "But it will be more than the efforts of Carlos Vela that will be required if we are to survive. "There are 10 other players and more who will have a big part to play." Albion have drawn their last three matches but Hodgson knows that will not be enough to keep them in the top flight. He said: "It has been pleasing that the team has not been giving up and fighting to the end. "Teams that are going to stay up will require character, work hard and leave no stone unturned in games. "Any that do will probably deserve to get relegated. "But we must not delude ourselves. A point a game is not enough. We need some three pointers along the way."
