Bruce praise for players

Last updated : 11 April 2002 By Brian Cartlidge
The 3-1 defeat of Crewe on Wednesday night moved Blues into a strong position from which to clinch a play-off place.

But Bruce wouldn't put himself forward as a tactical genius after making numerous team changes for the game.

Bruce told the B'ham Evening Mail: "As a manager you look at them and make the decision to change it round a bit if you think you need to.

"I felt we had a bit more energy about us last night, we were physically strong and quick. That's why I brought in who I brought in.

"But it's not me who deserves the plaudits, it's the players. They all performed excellently.

"All of them are chomping at the bit at the moment. All are playing their part in the results we've been getting."

"If someone had told me at Christmas that we were going to be fourth with two games to go I'd have thought them crazy," Bruce admitted.

"But let's not get carried away. We've done nothing yet, absolutely nothing.

"Hopefully we can win on Saturday to cement our play-off place but we've still got work to do."