PraiseThe Players says Hughton

Chris Hughton made sure that any praise that was put forward relating to Birmingham`s season went to the players and not himself last night.

City drew 2-2 with Blackpool in the second leg of the play-off semi final after an amazing fightback from being 2-0 down.

But the goal scored in the first leg by Blackpool proved to be the difference between the two sides and now they go forward to Wembley to take on West Ham for a place in the Premier League.

The Blues boss also fended off any talk of his future by insisting that all focus should be on the players.

“I`m so pleased we were able to make a fight of it but over the two legs they were the better team,” he said.

“I`m proud of this group of players, they have showed that fight all season.

“The pivotal moment was the time of Blackpool`s goals.

“Anything (about my future) that has been mentioned has been speculation.

“It`s not the right moment to talk about that, it`s about the group of players.

“At this moment, it`s all about them.

“I`m as devastated as the players are because we got so close.

“Do we deserve it anymore than Blackpool? Probably not, but what we have been through this season, it perhaps gives us a special case.

“We now have to look at what Reading have done by failing in the play-offs last year and going up this year. I take inspiration from that.

“I`m sure we will have a changing room that is ready to go next season.”