Bruce tells Blues to toughen up

Report: Birmingham 1-0 Fulham

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce says his players must show more resolve if they are to escape the threat of relegation.

Bruce has demanded a more aggressive approach from his team in line with the display in Saturday's win over Fulham.

"We can all forgive errors but what we can't stomach is if people aren't up for the fight," said Bruce "If people don't like it they can go, that simple.

"I'm going to be associated with players who I know will not jump out of tackles and will not duck the issue."

Birmingham's 1-0 victory over Fulham at the weekend was their first home win of the season and came after Bruce made several changes to his starting line-up.

Nevertheless, Birmingham are still in the relegation zone and Bruce said his players must be up for the battle ahead.

I'm never going to be a tactical genius and I've never professed to be so Birmingham boss Steve Bruce

"If we haven't got that now, we may as well all jack it in because we need people to stand up and be counted," he added.

"I want my team well-prepared, fit enough and organised and, above all, willing to have a go.

"If they have a go, then fine. Unfortunately, we had lost a bit of that over the last 12 weeks or so before Saturday.

"I always think a team mirrors their manager and anyone who knows me knows what type of person I am.

"I'm up and at them, rough around the edges. I'm never going to be a tactical genius and I've never professed to be so."