McFadden says McLeish has kept the mood upbeat this week (Getty)

Birmingham City forward James McFadden has praised the reaction of boss Alex McLeish to last weekend's heavy defeat to local rivals Aston Villa.

The 5-1 reverse left Blues in the Premier League's relegation places, but McLeish has remained calm.

"He's been great, trying to be upbeat, joining in the banter. Much the same as usual," McFadden told BBC WM.

"We had a look at the video, not that we needed to see it again. It was a poor performance."

Blues have three games remaining to try and save their Premier League status, starting against Liverpool on Saturday.

There is the possibility that the Merseysiders' boss Rafa Benitez will rest several key players ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg at Chelsea, but McFadden is wary of taking anything for granted.

"Obviously their minds are on other things, but they're professional at the end of the day and they'll be up for this game," said the former Everton striker.

"It doesn't matter who they put on the pitch, they're still going to be formidable."