Spurs took the lead through Sebastien Bassong at St Andrews but Craig Gardner headed home the equaliser for the hosts.
He said: “The Villa game took unbelievable energy out of the players. It was an emotional night.
“Harry (Redknapp) might have thought we were there for the taking because of that.
“A lot of players were running on empty and we had to patch them up but one thing you can’t deny them is our phenomenal spirit.
“Spurs were fresh today, having not played in midweek, and they had chances in the first half but we could have won it in the second. We shuffled things tactically and were more effective.”
Nikola Zigic set up the equaliser for Birmingham and McLeish admits he is thrilled with the striker’s recent performances.
“I would say that was the most effective he has been for us. He did not lose a header in the air today. He is adjusting to the different style of football over here,” said McLeish.
