Bruce already fears relegation battle

Steve Bruce admitted that Birmingham are facing “a long hard winter” after Kevin Phillips shattered their dominance over Aston Villa with a first-half winner at St Andrews.

Phillips struck mid-way through the opening period to enable Villa to end Blues’ run of six games without defeat against their local rivals since gaining promotion to the Premiership three years ago.

City’s main problem is their dreadful home record of just one point out of a possible 15 – and they still have to entertain the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham.

Bruce said: “I think that is the first derby I’ve ever lost and I didn’t enjoy it at all. I don’t like losing and I’m desperately disappointed for the fans.

“I share the pain of the supporters. We didn’t want their fans celebrating like that in our ground. That shows what it means to them to beat us now.

“It shows how far we have come. It was inevitable the successful run would end at some stage – but we didn’t want it to end at our place.

“We know now with our form at home that it is going to be a long hard winter. That’s for sure.

“But we’ll prepare again on Monday, start again, try and not feel sorry for ourselves and be ready for what will now definitely be a scrap.

“We need to start winning a few games. We don’t like being down there. But we are prepared for it and let’s hope we can get a few results shortly to lift that.”

The one crumb of comfort for Blues was the form of David Dunn, who impressed as a substitute in the final 20 minutes, his first senior action in 10 months after undergoing back surgery.

Bruce said: “If there was any consolation it was the return of Dunny. He came off the bench and just oozes that bit of class. He is something different, what a derby is crying for.

“He had a chance after 30 seconds and could have scored. His return was possibly the one bright light – if there is any.”

Dunn, who will play for the reserves tomorrow, said: “I felt pretty good but the result takes everything away from my part in things.

“It was great to go out on the pitch again. Boxing Day was the last game I played so it’s great to be back out there involved in the action again.

“I knew I was ready for it. I played for the reserves in the week so I knew I was there or thereabouts and it’s great to be back.”