Steve Bruce's side visit Leicester tonight knowing they will be promoted if they can win their final four games of the campaign.

Cole, on loan from Portsmouth, knows it is crucial City hold their nerve during the run-in if they are to overhaul either Sunderland or Derby - or even both of the Coca-Cola Championship's current top two.

He said: "Tuesday is a cup final now and we need to come away from Leicester with a result. We need to make sure there are no more losses.

"It is in our own hands if we win the four games. But then everyone was saying last weekend before we played Burnley and Barnsley 'win those two games and we've got a great chance' and unfortunately we just didn't turn up.

"It's more mental strength in these last four games. It's all mental now. Derby know we are breathing down their necks and it's not all over with Sunderland yet.

"I know they are on a great run but hopefully we can catch them as well.

"We've just got to worry about ourselves now. We've got ourselves back into a position where if we win our next four games, we will be promoted automatically."

Cole added: "There is still a lot of football to be played. Derby are twitching a bit and we've twitched a bit as well. Hopefully we can hold our nerve now and kick on from there.

"This division is so topsy-turvy. You can go on an unbelievable run and something happens, you lose two on the bounce and the other teams have caught you.

"Nothing is easy in this division. Anyone can beat anyone so there is still a long way to go."

Leicester striker Geoff Horsfield faces his former club looking to bolster his chances of earning a permanent move from Sheffield United and boosting the Foxes' chances of staying in the division.

Horsfield said: "I would have no problem with scoring a goal that beat Blues even if it ultimately cost them automatic promotion.

"I still have a massive affection for Birmingham and I don't want them not to go up and still think they will get promotion. But I'd be happy for them to leave the Walkers Stadium with nothing. They will find it difficult at our place.

"On a personal note, I am in limbo and need to earn a contract as I have no future at Sheffield United. I have only scored twice in 10 games so it is important I play well."

Birmingham could be without captain Damien Johnson, who limped out of the first half of Saturday's 2-1 home win over Southampton with a hamstring injury.

Leicester's Danny Tiatto is again missing as he serves the second instalment of a three-match ban.

Tonight's other match sees Burnley take on Norwich looking to all but mathematically ensure their Championship status for next season.