RAFALUTION

Birmingham regained their pride but still bowed out of another competition at the hands of Liverpool as Daniel Agger's goal in first-half stoppage-time settled their Carling Cup fourth round clash at St Andrews.

Blues had been humiliated 7-0 on the same ground in an FA Cup tie last season - the lowest point of Steve Bruce's managerial career.

This tie was a far more competitive affair against a Reds side who made nine changes from the starting line-up against Reading at the weekend - although the visitors were worthy winners.

Several Birmingham players appeared to throw in the towel on that ill-fated March night but the current side showed plenty of effort and determination.

But Danish international Agger's second goal of the current campaign was sufficient to earn the Merseysiders a place in the quarter-finals.

Birmingham occasionally threatened and looked more lively when Nicklas Bendtner and Gary McSheffrey were brought on up front for the final half hour.

But Liverpool were by far the better side in the second 45 minutes and Craig Bellamy could have notched a hat-trick - and saw a penalty saved by Maik Taylor.

The first chance fell to Steve Bruce's side after six minutes when Cameron Jerome battled for the ball before it fell invitingly to Julian Gray - but he fired over the bar when Reds goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek should have at least been tested.

Liverpool threatened for the first time when Mark Gonzalez exchanged passes with Boudewijn Zenden before unleashing a fierce drive which flew inches wide of Taylor's goal.

Blues midfielder Mehdi Nafti became the first player to be yellow-carded a minute later after a challenge in the centre circle on Zenden.

Liverpool enjoyed a spell of concerted pressure and recalled striker Robbie Fowler completely miskicked when attempting to convert a cross from Lee Peltier.

Liverpool were forced into a substitution after 26 minutes when, after a lengthy delay, Mohamed Sissoko was stretchered off with what appeared to be a dislocated right shoulder after he had fallen awkwardly following a challenge by Nafti.

The visitors were looking more threatening and the impressive Gonzalez exchanged passes with former Blues favourite Jermaine Pennant after taking a short corner - and his powerful cross-shot was deflected just past Taylor's far post.

Birmingham produced their best chance of the opening half after 44 minutes when Martin Taylor made a run down the left flank before sending over a low cross for DJ Campbell to run onto but he was denied at point blank range by Dudek.

But in the fifth of seven minutes of stoppage time Liverpool finally went ahead through Agger, who had the space to lash the ball into the roof of the net from close range after the hosts had failed to deal with a corner from Pennant.

Liverpool suddenly stepped up a gear at the start of the second period and began to carve open the Birmingham defence almost at will.

A cross from Gabriel Paletta picked out Bellamy, whose shot lobbed up into the hands of Maik Taylor after he had initially gone down in anticipation of a low effort from the Welsh international.

Maik Taylor then had to scramble across his goal-line to keep out a fiercely driven effort from Gonzalez at the base of a post.

The Northern Ireland number one also dealt with a long range attempt by Zenden as Liverpool started to dominate proceedings.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce made a double substitution just before the hour mark replacing the front duo of Jerome and Campbell with McSheffrey and Bendtner.

Liverpool had the chance to double their lead after 64 minutes when Jaidi was adjudged to have fouled Gonzalez after a surging run.

But Maik Taylor kept Birmingham in contention by comfortably saving Bellamy's penalty low to his left.

Bellamy appeared to miss his kick with the goal at his mercy from Zenden's low centre, before Nafti showed his frustration when being replaced by Fabrice Muamba - heading straight for the dressing room and kicking an advertising hoarding before disappearing down the tunnel.

Gray could have taken the game into extra-time when he shot straight at Dudek from close range, before Bellamy dragged a low shot across goal.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said 'we must cross our fingers now and wait' after Mohamed Sissoko suffered a suspected
dislocated shoulder in the 1-0 Carling Cup victory at Birmingham.

Sissoko was taken off on a stretcher after a challenge by Mehdi Nafti in the first half as the Reds went on to secure their quarter-final place thanks to Daniel Agger's goal before the break.

Benitez is naturally worried about the fitness of his midfielder.

He told Sky Sports 1: 'We feel it is serious. We cross our fingers now and wait.

'Really we need all the players in our squad, especially `Momo' because he gives us a lot of energy.

'I hope it is not very serious but I don't think so.

'It was a difficult game, we had some clear chances, they have had one or two but they gave us a good cup game. It was good for supporters.

'I felt the players worked really hard. I changed some players, there were some young boys there but we were good against a difficult team.'

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce added: 'We had two or three good opportunities - you have to take them but Maik Taylor kept us in it with the penalty save.

Blues' Mehdi Nafti showed his frustration when being replaced by Fabrice Muamba - heading straight for the dressing room and kicking an advertising hoarding before disappearing down the tunnel.

And Bruce continued: 'He was disappointed but we'll deal with him over the next 24 hours.

'There's always something going on - but it doesn't worry me at all.'

Tonight's result ended a run of five successive wins in all competitions - and Bruce's men return to Coca-Cola Championship action with successive home games against Barnsley and Wolves in their quest for promotion back to the Barclays Premiership at the first attempt.

Bruce added on Sky Sports 1: 'The league is the bread and butter - a cup run is lovely for everybody but we've got a couple of huge games coming up at home now.'


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