Gary McSheffrey highlighted the importance of Saturday's Premier League clash at Fulham when he admitted: "We are playing for our futures."McSheffrey knows what the repercussions could be if Alex McLeish's side are relegated from the top flight.

When City went down two years ago, the then manager Steve Bruce dismantled the squad and brought in a host of new players - including McSheffrey - to mount a successful promotion campaign.

Now, to avoid a similar scenario, the third-bottom Blues realistically have to win at Craven Cottage and in their final game of the season, at home to Blackburn.

McSheffrey said: "We have a huge game at Fulham. If we get a result there, then it all changes again. I am sure they will be hoping teams slip up to give them a chance - but we have to make sure we are not one of them.

"Obviously, they are going to come into the game confident after last Saturday's win at Manchester City but it is a one off game for us. It is our last away game of the season and we known what we have to do,

"We have to fight for every ball. Our away form hasn't been the best but we know what is at stake.

"We know we are playing for our futures and our Premier League status. Fulham may have home advantage but we feel we can go there and cause an upset."

McSheffrey believes Birmingham will still be in contention to stay up on the final day of the season against Blackburn even if they have an off-day against Roy Hodgson's side.

He said: "I think even if we don't get a result at Fulham, one of the other teams may slip up and it will go down to the Blackburn game on the final day.

"Blackburn are a good team with an excellent squad, and are always up around sixth or seventh place in the Premier League.

"It will be difficult but if it came to it, if we needed a result at home on the last day, the lads will be quite confident we can achieve it."

McSheffrey is aware Blues have to cut out the kind of mistakes which have proved costly on many occasions this season.

He said: "We have to try and cut out the individual errors but no one makes mistakes on purpose. Maybe it might be concentration or panic sometimes instead of relaxing.

"Collectively, we will try and be a solid unit and try not to make those mistakes. If we don't make them, we should come through the games okay."

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