Assistant manager McAllister was full of praise for the way Villa recovered to earn a point from a 1-1 draw in the derby clash with Birmingham at St Andrew's.

James Collins' deflected shot cancelled out the Blues' opener from another central defender in Roger Johnson.

McAllister said: "We are fully aware a little run of results can get you moving up this league because it is everso tight at the moment.

"It's a plus psychologically to be out of the bottom three when you pick the papers up.

"But we are working to pull ever further away from the position we are in. That's the target.

"We are aware of who've we played and who we haven't played and what sort of run of games we've got coming up.

"We don't like being in this position but there is going to be a period where we feel we can pick up points."

There have been question marks over Villa's team spirit but McAllister insists results are the key factor at any club.

He said: "Team spirit totally evolves around results. People say it comes from going for a Chinese meal together and a few beers. No.

"Team spirit gets better with results and if we can get a wee run of results, everything will get better.

"It was important to come here and not lose but we didn't set our stall out to get a point.

"It is a derby, against big rivals, and when you are against them, you want to win games for everyone concerned - the players, the fans, the club."

Blues manager Alex McLeish leapt to the defence of the missing fans with the 22,000 crowd the lowest for games between the clubs in the Premier League.

He said: "Don't forget it is just after Christmas and people have not got a lot of money these days.

"You have to be mindful of that and we were delighted with the support we got.

"It's been a tough couple of years recession-wise and we thank them for the support they are giving us and we look for more of the same in the weeks to come."

McLeish confirmed central defender Scott Dann is likely to be out of action for the remainder of the season with his severe hamstring problem.

But he is not looking to bring in a new centre-back and has faith in Czech international Martin Jiranek to provide back-up for Johnson and Liam Ridgewell.

McLeish said: "I think it will be a long shot for Scott to be back before the end of the season.

"Nothing has been totally confirmed yet but we are going to miss him for a long time.

"It's a blow and we wish the big fellow a successful recovery first and foremost.

"But I've got Jiranek. I brought Martin in just in case of an emergency and he is ready to step in."

McLeish is still awaiting any definite news on transfer targets Robbie Keane and Kenny Miller.

He said: "We are still waiting. Keane is at an early stage and with Miller, we are now waiting on an answer.

"We will see what happens. I never like to shout from the rooftops about these things.

"Wait until the guy has signed, whichever player that might be, and then I'll happily discuss it."