Alex McLeish defends his tactics

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has been forced to defend his tactics – despite Blues equalling a 113-year-old club record.

A goalless draw with Wigan on Saturday made it 18 top flight games unbeaten at St Andrew's, equalling the record set in 1907.

But McLeish had to launch a staunch defence of his tactics ,after lining up 4-5-1 at home against one of the Premier League strugglers.

He said: "I believe we would have lost the game had we gone 4-4-2. We wanted to try and control the game in central midfield.

"The way we started, about 16 teams in the Premier League play it, and you always have four players attacking, like you would in a 4-4-2."

Craig Gardner, who was sent off late on, played just behind lone striker Jerome with Alexander Hleb, as McLeish admitted new-boys Nikola Zigic and Matt Derbyshire lack match practice.

The manager said: "I don't think any of my centre-forwards are ready to start the game alongside Cameron Jerome yet.

"I haven't got the right blend up front yet. Zigic is adjusting to the English game.

"It's hurly burly, 100 miles an hour, whereas on the continent he is used to balls being laid up to him and cushioning it, laying it off and keeping it moving."