Bruce drive checked by slick City

IF Sunderland were growing giddy at their sprightly start to the new season, this was the most brutal of reality checks.

An anaemic performance and dreadful result at a team any European hopeful should be beating stalled the club’s ambitions and their captain, Lorik Cana, has urged the Wearsiders to wise up quickly if they are to prosper this season.

The Black Cats arrived at St Andrew’s having taken four points from the last six possible – at Manchester United and at home to Liverpool – but their optimism was blown away inside 48 minutes as Birmingham, playing in front of new owner Carson Yeung for the first time, deservedly snaffled maximum points.