Mikael Forssell feared Birmingham were facing relegation from the Barclays Premier League until manager Alex McLeish decided on a more attack-minded approach.

The Finland international believes City may have been too cautious and, as a result, seldom looked like scoring before McLeish brought about a change in policy after less than a month in charge.

A 3-0 reversal at Bolton just before Christmas was the catalyst for the former Scotland boss to start playing two up front.

And now he looks to have found the ideal combination in Forssell and James McFadden as Blues look to stretch their unbeaten run to five games at Portsmouth on Wednesday.

Forssell said: "The manager sometimes used one striker up front away from home but I think he has changed a little bit in the way we are playing and, especially in the last away game at West Ham, we played two up front.

"The way the gaffer is thinking now, I think he wants to go forward a bit more maybe, try to score goals because, like with the old manager, we had been sitting in there and trying to stay tight.

"If we don't try to attack and try to create more chances - which equals more goals - I don't think we can stay in the league. That is what we are doing at the moment and as a striker that is very positive."

Forssell scored a hat-trick in the 4-1 win over Tottenham 11 days ago but past experiences in terms of team selection means he is taking nothing for granted ahead of the trip to Fratton Park.

He said: "It is a pleasure to be back in the team but I know I have to keep my performances up to stay in the team. We are in that position in the league now where it gets ruthless.

"Everyone has to perform and we need to get points, and the manager will do anything for the team.

"If it means he is not giving anyone favours, and the ones he plays are the ones he thinks can do the job, then so be it.

"Hopefully, I won't be left out of this game but I know our manager thinks tactically a lot about games. For example, I started a game at home just before Christmas (against Reading) and scored and then I sat on the bench for the whole of the next game (at Bolton).

"I know that personally the manager has got nothing against me but I know whatever is good for the team, he will do it. I believe I can help the team so hopefully I will get another chance."

Defender Martin Taylor will serve the second game of a three match ban for his sending-off against Arsenal, while midfielder Olivier Kapo is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.

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