Steve Cotterill was today announced as the Birmingham City manager with the club down in 22nd position, however ex-manager Harry Redknapp believes they'll still finish above rivals Aston Villa.

Villa have turned their season around dramatically in recent weeks and will be going for a fourth successive win at home to Bolton tomorrow.

They also have an eight-point gap on Birmingham, but the Birmingham Mail have revealed that Redknapp said at an after dinner speaking event that the gap would be closed when injuries heal at St. Andrew's.

“Birmingham will not be far away from making the play-offs this year. I think when Birmingham get everybody fit they'll finish above Villa this year for sure.”

The key injured players Redknapp is alluding to are likely to be Jota, Che Adams and David Stockdale who are all missing at the moment.

The 70-year old kept Birmingham up last season, with Cotterill as his assistant, and many were surprised he was given so little time for his many new signings to gel.

The Verdict

Redknapp has to rate the Birmingham squad given that he bought them all in, but this is still a big claim. Both sides have very talented squads.

Steve Cotterill will be focused initially on getting the club out of the danger they are in and will adjust his expectations accordingly as the season progresses.

Villa, meanwhile, are beginning to click and they will expect to be making an impact at the top of the table come May.

What do you think Villa and Blues fans? Who will finish higher? Let us know in the comments below.