Birmingham City manager Lee Clark is desperate for success over Stoke City in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.

The Blues have had a tough season in the Championship, winning just 3 of their 13 league matches.

Their troubles off field have hindered Clark's side too, with the club's financial problems leading to the sales of Jack Butland, Curtis Davies and Nathan Redmond. But the 41-year-old is aware of the effect a cup victory could have on the team, and fans:

"I'm conscious of that every time we play, I want to give the fans a little bit of happiness because I understand what's going on and the predicament they're in," Clark told Sky Sports.

"In terms of people who are at the forefront of my mind are my players, my staff and the supporters - I want to make them feel as happy as I possibly can every time we play. A good cup run can do that, I felt that after we beat Swansea in the last round, and we've got a chance against a Premier League team on Tuesday night."

"It's a tough call for us but every time we get out on the pitch I want to give them something back because I sense the support they're giving me and the group is really good. I can imagine they're frustrated at times, but over that they're seeing the reality of what we're doing. I listen to the fans and I see them around the stadiums and I think they're showing a lot of belief in us and feeling towards the players because they understand the predicament we're in."

Birmingham were relegated at the end of the 2010-11 season, just months after lifting the Capital One Cup trophy after a shock victory over Arsenal.

Sponsored by Capital One. The Credit Card that Supports the Supporters.

For Capital One Credit Cards visit: www.capitalone.co.uk