DUNK: PREM IS SPRINGBOARD TO ENGLAND
Redknapp: Survive and we’ll make the Premier next term
HARRY REDKNAPP reckons that if Birmingham beat the drop they could win promotion to the Premier League 12 months from now.
CHAMPIONSHIP THE battle for survival takes centre stage where one of BLACKBURN (48 points), NOTTINGHAM FOREST (48 points) and BIRMINGHAM (50 points) will be relegated.
Birmingham have their destiny in their own hands at BRISTOL CITY. But a defeat or draw would mean curtains for Harry Redknapp’s men if both Forest and Rovers win as their goal difference is vastly inferior.
At the other end of the table, BRIGHTON and NEWCASTLE are already promoted, but the Seagulls can secure the title with victory at ASTON VILLA.
The Toon must better Albion’s result at home to BARNSLEY to win the trophy.
The play-offs, barring a miracle, are settled. LEEDS need a 13-goal swing over FULHAM to make the top six. LEAGUE TWO HARTLEPOOL and NEWPORT are locked in a scrap to stay up. Anything but a Hartlepool win over DONCASTER will see them drop into the National League.
A win will not be enough though if the Welsh side beat NOTTS COUNTY. If Hartlepool win and Newport draw, then it will be settled by goal difference with Pools holding a one-goal advantage.
The race for the final two play-off places is going down to the wire with three points separating sixth from 12th.
A CARLISLE win at EXETER will guarantee them a play-off place as would a win for BLACKPOOL against relegated LEYTON ORIENT – unless STEVENAGE can turn around a 14-goal swing.
They join Cambridge, Colchester, Wycombe and Mansfield as play-off hopefuls.
Doncaster, PLYMOUTH, and PORTSMOUTH are already promoted and can all still win the title. VILLA boss Steve Bruce revealed new wounds on his already battered face yesterday. He had stitches to cuts on his forehead and said he had surgery to remove moles. “I apologise for the way I look, before you go any further,” said Bruce. BRIGHTON defender Lewis Dunk hopes the Seagulls’ promotion will help land him an England call-up.
Centre-back Dunk has been a key part of home-town club Brighton’s return to the top-flight after a 34-year absence.
Dunk (below), 25, is seeking inspiration from Burnley ace Michael Keane to fulfil his Three Lions dream.
He said: “When you’re a little kid, you want to play in the Premier League and you want to play for England.
“Hopefully I can show what I can do in the Premier League and follow in Michael Keane’s footsteps and get the call-up like he did.”
Brighton will clinch the Championship title at Aston Villa tomorrow if they better Newcastle’s result. But Dunk says even becoming champions will not top the emotional scenes following Brighton’s promotion-clinching win at home to Wigan on Easter Monday.
He explained: “The final whistle on the day we got promoted, the fans running on the pitch and mobbing us, that whole day and night, was something I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.
“We got the train into Brighton with the fans and integrated with them. We made it a big day for them and us.
“That’s the way this club has always been, it’s a community club and I think it was really fitting for us to do that, instead of just going off and doing it on our own.
“We took time out and spent it with the fans. We loved it, they loved it, so what more could you ask for?”
Brighton have lost both matches since promotion was secured but striker Glenn Murray is determined to get his hands on a league-winner’s medal.
Veteran top-scorer Murray said: “The title means a massive amount. It does to everyone. We would be foolish not to try and win the title.
“We have the chance to be champions. It’s still in our own hands. It’s something you can cherish for a long time.”