Ordinarily we would be pleased leaving with a point

McLeish saw his side totally outplayed by the Clarets for almost half the game and admitted that his side were second best. "We started very slowly, trance like, and some of the things that we did in that opening few minutes beggar belief," he said.

"I was not happy with the way we started the game, just like the supporters, but we got the goal through perseverance and you have to credit Phillips and we did tell the players before the game to chase down every pass back, although Kev would have done that anyway.

"We also had a very valid penalty claim, Scott Sinclair performed a terrific manoeuvre in the box, he baffled the defender who put his foot in and not only that but he dragged him down by the neck. I don't know what we have to do to get a penalty this season, we've had two or three that have been stonewall but not been given.

"Our second half performance was much more like us and with fifteen games to go you can see other teams struggling as well, Wolves and Reading. It's not an easy league and I don't think we are unique to criticism."

Owen Coyle knew exactly why we hadn't won the game as he frustratedly said after the game: "The reason we never won is that we never finished off our chances and then made a terrible error at the back. As much as the mistake cost us, scoring that extra goal can take the pressure off the defence.

"But all credit to Birmingham. They were always going to be a threat and we gifted them it. The skipper will be disappointed in the knock back and Brian will feel he should have done better. But they have been terrific this season and Brian has probably made two mistakes this season now, which for a goalkeeper is remarkable. He has saved us in games and he will do that again."

Coyle added: "Ordinarily, coming to St. Andrew's we would be pleased leaving with a point, but I am not because I thought we were deserving of three. I have to say our first half performance was as good as anything we have had this season, and I include the wins over Premier League teams. But you have to get the second goal and we missed some gilt edged chances.

"However, we are still three points off the play offs with a game in hand, with a lot of those teams around us to play. I believe in this group of players and when we are focused and concentrated we have shown we are a very good side.

"I certainly believe we should have more points than we have. It's terrific to see plaudits coming our way but I am disappointed not to go away with three points today. However, I am not prepared to compromise my beliefs on how the game should be played because if we play like that, then more often than not we will win games."