Injuries cast cloud for plagued Bruce
Even the supporters play their part in Steve Bruce’s tactical masterplan at St Andrew’s. Midway through a second half dominated by Middlesbrough, as his team defended their lead stoutly, the Birmingham City manager motioned to a fan who had caught a ball that had gone for a throw-in not to rush to return it. With the way Bruce’s luck has been running this season, he will take every bit of help going. Times
Hamstrung Heskey shows England class
A third successive victory that further allayed Birmingham City's fears of relegation was marred by injuries to Emile Heskey and David Dunn. Guardian
Striking duo keep up the Birmingham renaissance
Booed off in November, cheered off by Boxing Day. It is only two home games since Birmingham's draw with Norwich left their fans seething and their manager talking of a relegation struggle, but Steve Bruce's men have now bounced back with three wins on the trot. Telegraph
Heskey dents Boro ambitions
When Steve McClaren assessed Middlesbrough's holiday programme as critical to his side's season he was probably thinking more about meeting Manchester United and Chelsea within four days over New Year than yesterday's trip to St Andrew's. Independent