A late goal from Nikola Zigic earned City a 2-1 home success and a last four clash with West Ham.

It was City's first win over their local rivals for five and a half years.

Blues even overcame having an earlier effort from Zigic ruled out for offside against Liam Ridgewell when they were leading 1-0.

McLeish said: "We earned the right to be in the semi-finals and I'm really proud of the players.

"It was a fantastic effort by them tonight. I felt we deserved it.

"We could have been 2-0 up if the offside decision had gone our way.

"We finally got our reward in second half when they were probably the better side in terms of possession but never really hurt us.

"I felt really pleased for them, really delighted.

"They've met a lot of challenges - this team - over the past year and a half.

"This was another one and they've risen to it."

Villa assistant manager Gary McAllister said: "We feel hard done by. In the second half we were pressing to get the winner.

"It is disappointing to lose to a poor goal from our point of view.

"Now it is our job to pick everyone up in training and look to what is ahead."

Sebastian Larsson gave Blues the lead from the penalty spot after Richard Dunne tripped Lee Bowyer.

Gabriel Agbonlahor brought Villa level before half-time with a clinical piece of finishing.

But Zigic clinched victory for Birmingham in the 84th minute when his shot took a deflection off Luke Young and beat Brad Friedel.