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KELLY CALLS FOR VICTORY

KELLY CALLS FOR VICTORY

Kelly - winning is everything.

Birmingham defender Stephen Kelly believes nothing less than victory will suffice in Saturday's vital clash at revitalised Fulham.

Blues have collected only two points from the last 10 matches away from St Andrews since winning 3-2 at Tottenham in Alex McLeish's first match in charge as manager in early December.

They find themselves in the bottom three along with the Cottagers after surrendering a two-goal lead in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

And City could be relegated if they lose to Roy Hodgson's side and Bolton and Reading collect maximum points.

Kelly said: "A draw against Liverpool wasn't a bad result but we knew a win would have pulled us out of the relegations places.

"Unfortunately, it means we are right in there with two games to go and this weekend's game is even bigger than it already was if that is possible.

"Fulham will have their tails up. They had a great win at Manchester City after being 2-0 down. To come back and win 3-2 shows great character.

"I know our away form hasn't been great but we have to go there and make sure we win the game.

"Everyone has to be focused and show the determination to get the win. We need three points and knock Fulham of the running. Nothing else will do."

Kelly is aware of the need for City to be ruthless in the final two games and not let teams back into matches they have control of.

He said: "We were cruising against Liverpool and they looked like they had died out. If we could have held on for a little while longer it would have been game over.

"But conceding the two goals like we did killed us - and that is why we are where we are. We have made silly mistakes and we shouldn't be doing that.

"It is silly little things, lapses in concentration. We have to make sure we cut that out in the next two games.

"They are huge for us so we really need to get together now, work hard and make sure we are solid."