Tom Ross has his says on Birmingham City’s run in

In football, so much is said and written about ability as if it were the only factor that matters.

Ability is never sufficient. To become an impact player, you must combine drive, work ethic, excitement, attitude, application, and character.

Never underestimate the importance of desire over talent. There is no argument: skill without motivation is a waste of time. You want both, but if you only have one, choose want every time. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t have the desire, it’s pointless.

We witnessed that in abundance at St Andrew’s on Saturday, especially while under pressure. Birmingham City hung tough and demonstrated all of those attributes to achieve a valuable, much-needed victory. They were a team, both on and off the field, and demonstrated that you don’t have to pick the best players to build the best squad.

The fans also contributed to creating an atmosphere in which the players could thrive. Bielik and Sunjic stood out to me, although there were several players who may have been named man of the match. The previous Wednesday, in the defeat to Cardiff, the contenders were two stewards and a ballboy!

Seriously, the difference between the two performances was night and day. It demonstrated that football is a team sport rather than a solo one. If you don’t work as a team, you won’t win.

The Blues have already set the performance bar and must not fall below it in their next three games, beginning on Saturday against bottom club Rotherham. At the very least, they demonstrate the same work ethic, passion, devotion, and attitude that Coventry was unable to handle.

Despite being one point better than the bottom three, one fantastic performance does not equal safety. Only four points separate Blackburn (17th) and Blues (21st).

17th on 49pts: Blackburn – Sheff Weds (h), Coventry (h), Leicester (a)

18th on 48pts: Plymouth – Stoke (a), Millwall (a), Hull (h)

19th on 47pts: QPR – Preston (h), Leeds (h), Coventry (a)

20th on 47pts: Stoke – Plymouth (h), Southampton (a), Bristol City (h)

21st on 45pts: Blues – Rotherham (a), Huddersfield (a), Norwich (h)

22nd on 44pts: Huddersfield – Swansea (h), Blues (h), Ipswich (a)

23rd on 44pts: Sheff Weds – Blackburn (a), West Brom (h), Sunderland (a)

As Sir Alex Ferguson once remarked, “it’s squeaky bum time,” which is particularly apt today for a number of our teams vying for promotion, a play-off spot, avoiding relegation, or reaching a cup final.

But this is why football is so seductive. It’s the drama and emotional roller-coaster ride, no matter where you sit at the table.

So, what emotion will you be experiencing come the end of the season for your team? Remember, nothing worth having ever came easy.