The Blues were just 22 minutes away from securing an immediate return back to the Premier League when they led Preston 1-0, but two wonder goals consigned them to a deflating defeat.

They must now travel to fellow automatic-promotion chasers Reading tomorrow knowing anything other than a win could scupper their bid to go straight up.

The Blues are just a point ahead of Sheffield United, who travel to former boss Neil Warnock's Crystal Palace, while Reading are just two points further back but with a better goal difference than Blues.

It sets the scene for an intriguing final day and McLeish believes his side will not let the opportunity to earn promotion pass them by for a second week running.

"Other people outside the club will say possibly 'Birmingham must be down'... but we're ahead by one point and the situation doesn't change," he told the club's official website, www.bcfc.com.

"I don't see any signs of shirkers in that dressing room or people that will crumble so it's definitely game on."

Reading boss Steve Coppell has seen his side fail to win any of their past seven home games, but feels they can turn that poor run around tomorrow.

"It's a difficult game, they have it all to play for and it's a terrific game for the impartial viewer," Coppell said.

"We're pleased to be a part of it, we've got to confront some of our demons at home and we look forward to it."

Warnock's role in the match between Crystal Palace and Sheffield United adds further theatre to what promises to be a compelling final day.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell knows Warnock's presence will add further spice to the occasion, but believes his players will handle the occasion.

"The way things are balanced, you couldn't write the script," he said.

"But we have motivation and belief and I have confidence in my players because I know that I get a performance from them whoever they play."

Preston will look to force their way into the play-off places, a feat that looked beyond them when they lost to Blackpool last month.

The Lilywhites have won their three games since, meaning victory at home to QPR, plus defeats for either Burnley or Cardiff - who play Bristol City and Sheffield Wednesday respectively - would see them sneak into the top six.

"It's amazing that we're still in with a chance," boss Alan Irvine said. "It's a slim chance, but it's a chance."

At the other end of the table Norwich must win at bottom club Charlton and hope Barnsley fail to pick up a point at Plymouth if they are to survive.

"The players still believe we can stay up," Canaries boss Bryan Gunn told the Evening News.

"We must focus on the chance we still have on Sunday and draw on whatever we use as our inspiration."

Elsewhere, Roy Keane will lead Ipswich at Portman Road for the first time against Coventry while Nottingham Forest will host already-relegated Southampton.

Champions Wolves welcome Doncaster, Derby travel down the M1 to meet Watford while Roberto Martinez's Swansea round out an impressive first season in the Championship at home to Blackpool.