The capacity of St Andrew's could be doubled (Photo by Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

Lee Hendrie has warned Birmingham City supporters that it will take time for the club to reach the same levels as their city rivals, Aston Villa.

The Blues have made encouraging progress in recent years following their relegation to League One. Now back in the Championship, they have invested heavily in the playing squad in an attempt to consolidate their second-tier status and eventually mount a push for promotion to the Premier League.

Off the pitch, there are promising signs too. Owner Tom Wagner is hoping to double the capacity of St Andrew’s to 62,000, with the stadium set to be a central feature of a proposed £3 billion sports quarter in Birmingham.

With the team currently sitting 16th in the table, promotion back to the top flight may still be some way off. Speaking to Football League World, Hendrie suggested that patience will be required despite the club’s clear ambition.

“I know that they've got this ambitious stadium situation, but I'm not sure if that will directly put them...