Bruce is already without Blues captain Damien Johnson (hamstring), but striker Mikael Forssell (head) and Stuart Parnaby (knock) are both expected to recover in time.

BBC: Doyle tips Bruce to keep Blues up

On the stroke of half-time, Mikael Forssell made it two when he prodded in a corner from close range after Cameron Jerome had flicked on.

BBC: Birmingham 3-0 Middlesbrough

Olivier Kapo's driven cross was met by fellow substitute Mikael Forssell and his effort thundered against the top of the bar before Robinson expertly denied Kapo.

BBC: CHOOSE A SPORT

Birmingham responded with Mikael Forssell chesting down a ball, swivelling and shooting only for his low shot to be saved a full stretch by keeper David James.

BBC: Birmingham 0-2 Portsmouth

The marauding McFadden, who was playing on his own in attack after Mikael Forssell was sacrificed for defender Stuart Parnaby following the red card, was brought down by Mathieu Flamini.

BBC: Birmingham 2-2 Arsenal