One of the Blues most decorated and experienced players believes that mental strength is now the key to clinching fourth spot in the Premier League.

Twice Champions League winner Sylvinho has warned his teammates that they should clear their heads of all thoughts other than the last six matches of the season.

The 35-year-old Brazilian, who enjoyed the sweet taste of double glory with Barcelona this time last year, has urged the fellow players to put aside all thoughts of contracts and the World Cup until the curtain has come down on the domestic campaign.

Focus, concentration, hard work and teamwork, those are the things that will help us take fourth place

...Sylvinho on the race for fourth place

“This club is working in a good way and is improving all the time but we are still just taking the first steps.

“We must talk and think about nothing else other than the six matches that are ahead of us starting today with Birmingham.

“The points we have already are proof that we are working in the right way.

Every part of the team now has to be at the top of its game or we will not finish fourth and that is all we should concentrate on

...Sylvinho

Sylvinho spent a part of this week in Abu Dhabi coaching youngsters and will need a late test on his calf muscle, which was hurt during the 6-1 win at Burnley, before his availability is known.

 Micah Richards (knee) and Nigel de Jong (ankle) are also doubts for today’s game for which longer term casualties Wayne Bridge and Joleon Lescott have already been ruled out.

The trio leading scorers Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Craig Bellamy should, however, all be present and Sylvinho was full of praise for them.

“All three are having great seasons, Carlos has been unbelievable, but even as good as they are they cannot do it all on their own. If the rest of the team does not play around them then we are in trouble,” he stressed.

And the left back admitted that he was practising what he preached by putting his own future on hold for the time being.

“I don’t know whether I will be here or not next season, that is something for after the game at West Ham,” he declared.

“Now is not the time to focus on me or any other individual but coming to this club made me excited and I still have dreams, so I would like to be part of things next season.”