With fourth place in the Barclays Premier League table the goal, Mancini is looking for a victory over Birmingham at Eastlands. He believes a win over the midlanders will give them confidence going into the home match against Manchester United next Saturday.

Mancini said: "I hope we have improved in the last three or four months. To improve you need to work every day. In the next six months, a year, we can improve a lot.

"Now we are focused on Birmingham, not United, as the next game is the most important. This will be a difficult match and after we will think about United."

Mancini is hoping Carlos Tevez can stay injury-free until the end of the season. The Italian believes the Argentinian is just as vital to the team's cause as Wayne Rooney is to Manchester United.

While Rooney is recovering from an ankle injury, Tevez will be aiming to put Birmingham to the sword.

Tevez is looking to improve his 26-goal tally after finding the target in the 6-1 demolition of Burnley at Turf Moor.

He has settled in quickly after arriving at Eastlands in the summer from Manchester United.

Like Mark Hughes beforehand, Mancini knows how crucial Tevez is to the team.

Mancini said: "We have had a lot of injuries. I hope that in the last six games we can play with a strong team. Carlos is most important for us like Rooney is for United."

The Italian boss is also pleased with the contribution of Craig Bellamy, who took his tally to 10 goals at the weekend.

There have been suggestions the pair do not get on, but Mancini said: "I have a good relationship with him and the other players as I respect them all.

"I am very happy with Craig. He works very well in training and that is important for me. It is vital a player works for the team."

Brazilian full-back Sylvinho is struggling to be fit in time after suffering a calf injury at Turf Moor while Micah Richards is also doubtful with a knee problem.

Pablo Zabaleta remains sidelined through suspension while Stephen Ireland has an ankle injury and misses out.