Midfielder Cheick Tiote insists he is not surprised to see how and Newcastle in the Barclays Premier League this season.
Magpies six points clear of the relegation zone and know that victory in Birmingham at St James' Park almost certainly be mathematically guarantee their presence in the top flight and to keep the hopes of a top-10 finish.
This would represent a significant achievement for a club that has suffered a traumatic restructuring after falling into the Premier League two years ago.
Some of the biggest names have left the ship while others were discharged within a year of dramatic cost reduction.
And even if you quickly get back on the second floor, a modest summer transfer market has led many to predict a long and difficult.
But Tiote, an acquisition of 3.5 million # FC Twente, believes that too eyebrows should be raised if Newcastle finish in the top half of the table, especially with Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool all failing win at Saint-Jacques.
He said: "No, because we work together and together we have grown in confidence, so I'm not surprised.
"If well against a big team you have confidence, and this year we did well."
Steven Taylor will start in central defense after Mike Williamson has been excluded from the remainder of the season, a broken bone in his hand.
Pardew had hoped to give France winger Hatem Ben Arfa a series of appearances in the last three games after his recovery from a double leg fracture.
However, suffered a setback in training and is unlikely to play again until the new season.
Meanwhile, Alex McLeish has warned about the need for Birmingham to have the strength in depth to cope with the demands involved in Europa League next season.
McLeish admits he has been careful guidance of former Dutch international Jan Wouters, who was part of his coaching staff, while the head of the Rangers.
He is currently deputy director at FC Utrecht, whose efforts in the competition have taken their toll as the current campaign has progressed.
This is something McLeish takes Carling Cup holders to avoid although he is reluctant to air his views on the hiring policy of the city until they are safe from relegation.
McLeish said: "We also try to build this summer have reached Europe as well ..
"I talked to my friend in Holland, Jan Wouters, and he said his team, FC Utrecht, losing steam after a bright start to the season when they played great things.
"They beat Celtic in two games, he did very well against Liverpool and Jan said that they ran out of steam as the year Europe League.
"This means we have the resources to deal with all competitions, especially with the intensity of the Premier League.
"But listen, I'm not even thinking about the substance of the previous contract until we're mathematically safe."
Birmingham will be without midfielder Craig Gardner, who must serve banned for two matches after being sent Wolves read - his second red card in the country.
McLeish said: "We have house rules that are private and not public debate.
"But they are not club conditions, rules and fines in place, so Craig and the rest of the team know the rules."
