Bruce keen to lose bridesmaid's tag

Birmingham City are the perennial First Division bridesmaids - a tag manager Steve Bruce is determined to cast off in tonight’s play-off semi-final second leg with Millwall at the New Den.

Bruce acknowledges that Birmingham’s failure in the last three play-off semi-finals has hampered the club’s progress.

Having been unable to make home advantage pay in last Sunday’s first-leg, that ended in a 1-1 stalemate, Bruce is still optimistic about Birmingham’s prospects of progressing into the final.

He said: ‘‘One of the main reasons why I came back to Birmingham is because they are a big club with a massive fan base.

‘‘They are a club who really belong in the Premiership but have been frustrated by their failure to win through the play-offs in each of the last three seasons.

‘‘Obviously we have a big task on our hands at Millwall but I remain positive and focused. We are fully capable of achieving a result.

‘‘I am encouraged by the fact that some of our better performances of late have been away from home.

‘‘We are unbeaten in our last 11 games and this means a great deal to the team. It gives them confidence to keep the run going.’’

The worst scenario for Birmingham and their fans, however, would be for the Millwall game to remain all square and be decided by a penalty shoot-out.

Birmingham’s penalty record is not one of their strong points in recent seasons.

This was illustrated at in the play-offs at Preston last season - and followed an earlier penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of Liverpool in the Worthington Cup final.

Birmingham were also beaten on penalties by Watford in the play-offs in 1999.

Bruce nevertheless remains upbeat about the prospects of his new look Birmingham side.

He said: ‘‘I am not worried or fazed. I know it is going to be a tight affair in front of a partisan crowd.’’

Bruce finished the last game against Millwall banished from the dug-out to sit in the stand.

Nerves will be even more tightly stretched on this occasion for everyone concerned at Birmingham.

Bruce is fully aware that it is a marvellous opportunity for him to establish himself in the managerial ranks and a conclusive success over Millwall would be a huge stepping stone to achieving this personal ambition.

He has gambled on new signings to give Birmingham a new look and the former Manchester United skipper believes it has worked.

‘‘When I came back to Birmingham I thought the club was a little stale and needed a fresher look,’’ he said.

‘‘I think this was achieved with several good signings which could carry Birmingham all the way into the Premiership where they belong.’’