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