Liverpool need to get tough to kick start a winning run

Birmingham is usually one of the most tricky games a team can face on its travels during a season, writes Phil Thompson.

They are a well organised side and there two central defenders Roger Johnson and Scott Dann have formed a good understanding.

Without Dirk Kuyt, it will be tough for Liverpool but this is one of those games where performance doesn't matter, so long as you get the right result and it would be brilliant to see the Reds grind out a win.

After good results against Trabzonspor and West Brom before the international break we need to keep the momentum going into the showdown with Manchester United.

When you then get to a point where you have gone maybe 10 games unbeaten, then you can start to play expansive stuff but, first of all you need to be tough and solid - which will be absolutely imperative at St Andrews, as Birmingham will want to make home advantage tell like they have done in the past.

It would be no disgrace if we were even to come away with a draw, just so long as we were able to keep things ticking over.

Once you get a few good results under your belt, confidence starts to build and once you get it, that completely transforms a team; you just need to be strong to start.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.