Lee Carsley in action against Forest

Lee Carsley says that comments made about Blues by Nottingham Forest players in the wake of the sides' 1-1 draw at the City Ground acted as a major motivation during last weekend's fightback against Charlton.

After the November 8 game, Forest defender Luke Chambers claimed his side "battered Birmingham", "that after 60 minutes they wanted to go home" and that Blues "did not look like they fancied it."

As team captain Carsley took it on himself to print out the comments and put them on his side's dressing room wall and he believes they have had a major galvanising effect.

"We've got a nice bunch of lads and they all want to do well and sometimes I think you need a jolt to the system," said Carsley

Luke Chambers

"We know what we think about ourselves but we're not really aware on how the opposition view us and we've got to have a bit more self belief.

"We went to Forest and went a goal up and then we had a look at them to see how they'd react and they went for it and perhaps we didn't cope with it that well.

"We've got to go into games believing in ourselves because the opposition are because it's a big game for them.

"It's like their cup final and we've got to start playing like we are the favourites."

Blues play the corresponding home fixture against Forest next February 14 and Carsley has warned the Reds not to expect such an easy ride when they next meet.    

"It's unfortunate that he came out and said that because when we play Forest here we will give them a right good game," added Carsley.

"You respect your opponents.

"If you win, you win with a bit of dignity, they overstepped the mark there."