Last Updated: Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:06
Alex McLeish is delighted with Birmingham's campaign so far but insists they are not strong enough to compete with rivals Aston Villa.
The Blues boss has watched his side storm up to seventh position in the Premier League following an unbeaten nine-match run which has seen a return of 21 points from a possible 27.
And, while some fans have started to discuss the possibility of Europe and overhauling their city rivals Villa, McLeish says they are not yet at that level.
He told the Birmingham Mail: "I have sensed a buzz around the city for the last few weeks. We have been getting good plaudits from day one. We have earned the right to be where we are.
"But can we compete with Aston Villa? I am sure (owner) Carson Yeung would like to have that ambition but right now we are not at Villa's level in terms of spending power and the strength of the squad.
"I am not looking to rival Villa this season. We have to got to look after ourselves and try and keep this unbeaten run going."