Birmingham City were dealt a frustrating blow earlier this season, as they were deducted nine points for breaching profitability and sustainability rules in the EFL. 

This has seen Garry Monk's side drop into relegation battle, and he'll be hoping that they don't fall into the bottom three as the season heads towards a conclusion.

Former Birmingham striker, Emile Heskey feels as though the Blues shouldn't be worried about the threat of relegation, following their points deduction.

With quotes handed exclusively to Football League World by media agency Ready10, Heskey said: "Birmingham won’t be worried about relegation this season, and they would have preferred points deducted this season rather than next.

The former England international also insisted that it's difficult for clubs in the Championship compared to teams in the top-flight as they can spend more money.

"The golden egg for English clubs is the Premier League, and once you’re there you can then spend big money on players.

"The Premier League is a whole different ball game from the Championship, with Bournemouth and Fulham spending millions since getting promoted.

But Heskey also admitted that he finds it difficult to see his former side being able to challenge for promotion anytime soon, especially with the transfer restrictions in place for the Blues.

"It’s difficult in the Championship for Birmingham because they’ll want promotion but struggle to do it now with the new transfer implications in place."

Garry Monk's side will be fully focused on the task at hand though, and they face a tough ask if they are to pick up a positive result this weekend as they take on promotion-chasing Leeds United.

The Verdict: 

It's a frustrating time to be a Birmingham supporter.

There is the quality there to be challenging for a top six finish, so to be in this current predicament will be hugely annoying.

They need to get their heads down though, and focus on retaining their Championship status before thinking about next year's campaign.