Daryl Murphy is convinced Town can recover from their recent form lapse and still secure a play-off place
They may have won just twice in their last 10 league games, taking 14 points from a possible 30, but the Republic of Ireland international remains confident they can close the five-point gap on sixth-placed Reading.
Murphy, 30, said: "I think we can finish in the top six because results went for us last week with Reading losing. But it’s going to be hard.
"It’s only sixth place that is up for grabs, if I’m being honest. The top five have pulled away so much that they will be hard to catch but there are four or five teams that can get in there and we are one of them.
"It’s not lost yet, with so many games left to play, but we need to start winning games, especially at home and starting against Birmingham on Saturday.”
Last time out Town went down 3-0 at league leaders Leicester but Murphy echoed the sentiments of manager Mick McCarthy when he added: "We gave them two goals to start with.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game but we were disappointed with the way we started, although I think the quality in their side was probably a bit too much for us. They’re a class side and they’ve got players in every position who are top-notch.”
Town will be looking to improve on their last home display when lowly Blackpool secured a goalless draw at Portman Road and might even have bagged all three points but for a man-of-the-match display from stand-in keeper Scott Loach.
But Murphy is not expecting it to be easy to overcome a stubborn Birmingham side fresh from a 2-1 success at Blackpool.
He said: "It will be a tough game. We drew 1-1 at their place earlier in the season and it was hard. It will be no different this time. Everyone wants to win every game and it’s no different with them. We’re at home and we have to be confident, so hopefully we will get a win.”
Murphy scored in the corresponding fixture last season, a game that ensured Town’s survival in the Championship and one he recalled with fond memories.
He added: "I remember it, second last game of the season wasn’t it? We beat them 3-1, it was a good game and I thought overall we did pretty well.
"We dominated the game but it’s going to be a different story this time round. Obviously they want to finish as high as they can in the league and we want to get into the play-offs so it’s a big game for both teams.”