Blues prepare to lose out on fourth spot

David Moyes' side are three points ahead of fifth placed Liverpool in the Premiership, although the Reds have a game in hand.

But they are being realistic and are not confident of even qualification for the UEFA Cup, so have applied for entry to Intertoto - the backdoor UEFA Cup qualifier for sides who really shouldn't be there.

"It would be remiss of us not to put our name forward," admitted chief executive Kieth Wyness.