Boss Jim Magilton was disappointed not to have claimed all three points from Town's 2-2 draw at Birmingham. However, the Northern Irishman felt the result saw the Blues continue to move in the right direction.

Magilton said: "I was a bit disappointed after the game because we had played so well, but I would have taken a point before kick-off.

"We were going to the league leaders who were bubbling with confidence and our overall play was outstanding.

"We had players whom I felt could hurt Birmingham and that proved to be the case. That's another step in the right direction for us and we are steadily improving.

"We gave Birmingham as good a game as they are going to get this year. We showed great character and you need that when going to places like Birmingham which can be intimidating.

"The players are disappointed as well, because they know they could have had all three points. A little bit of naivety cost us in the end.

"But it's another step in the right direction, another step forward and I'm pleased with how the team is developing.

"We have got hungry young lads here who are desperate to do well for this football club and we move on now and look forward to another big game next week at home to Sunderland."

Town have doubts regarding Gavin Williams and Fabian Wilnis for the visit of the Black Cats. Williams suffered a groin injury in the first half at Birmingham, while Wilnis was forced to drop out with the thigh problem which has hampered him for the last couple of weeks.

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce was annoyed with defender Bruno N'Gotty for his needless red card: “Bruno's actions have cost us, not just now but in terms of the three games he will miss. The discipline is something we are going to have to clamp down on.

"We can't keep getting away with having 10 men in matches and either winning or drawing. We have to make sure we are disciplined.

“We have had three players sent off in the space of seven or eight games and we have to improve on that."

Bruce conceded that his side deserved no more than a point: "When you reflect on what happened it is a point won; we were down to 10 men and 2-1 down at home, but in terms of effort and endeavour we kept going and maybe shook a few people up."

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