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Birmingham pair criticised for staying out until 4am

Ben Foster is in hot water after a late night ahead of Sunday's Premier League showdown © Getty Images

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At least two Birmingham City players stayed out drinking until 4am on Tuesday morning following the club's end of season gala, according to the wife of one of the players.

Becky Doyle, wife of back-up goalkeeper Colin, was clearly angered by her husband's behaviour, after he stayed out with goalkeeper Ben Foster following the club-sanctioned event on Monday evening, only coming home in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Birmingham are just one goal clear of the relegation zone with one game remaining, and head to Tottenham at the weekend knowing they must get a positive result to give themselves the best chance of avoiding the drop.

"****** off with my husband getting in at 4am with fossy [Foster] and waking me up," Doyle posted on Twitter. "Celebrate next week when your [sic] safe. Have some respect."

That comment was later deleted, although Doyle followed up with further comments to underline her disappointment, adding: "so angry, what's the point of Twitter if your not allowed to write what you want on it".

She later followed up with: "Golf bag and clubs still for sale. comes with one hung-over husband."

However, it has been reported that neither player was drunk and that both turned up for training on time on Tuesday.

Foster, who was named the club's player of the year at the awards event, had previously said he would be happy to stay at the club even if they are relegated.

"I want to stay at Birmingham," Foster said. "I've loved this season. It has been a great season for me personally. I'm settled here.

"If something comes along where the club agree a fee for any player, in effect it's out of the player's hands."

Of Sunday's decisive game against Spurs, Foster added: "It's a massive match. But no-one is thinking of being in the Championship next season."

At the dinner, manager Alex McLeish had paid tribute to the resolve of his squad as they battle against the drop, saying: "It is a test of character and these players have shown their character time and time again."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.