Manager Mick McCarthy felt Wolves were “the masters in their own downfall” after their 2-0 victory over West Midlands neighbours Wolves in their top-of-the-table clash at St Andrew’s.

The huge result takes Blues to within two points of the Coca-Cola Championship leaders with five games remaining, with third-placed Reading’s Friday fixture against Sheffield United, fourth, also set to have a big impact on the race for promotion.

McCarthy was also left to question the validity of Cameron Jerome’s opener.

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“With the first goal I wonder whether there’s a foul on Wayne Hennessey?” said the Wolves boss.

“I actually didn’t think it was a free-kick he penalised Marlon Harewood for on the halfway line (in the build-up to the goal).

“The second goal was a schoolboy error and we’ve been the masters of our own downfall.

“We’ve lost points, I don’t think there was any quality in the game. The first goal wasn’t really and neither was the second.”

Cameron Jerome grabbed the crucial opener in first-half stoppage time, capitalising on some hesitancy in Wolves’ six-yard box to bundle the ball over the line with Hennessey managing to get just a hand on it.

Defence

Garry O’Connor then made the game safe in the 69th minute – again amid more confusion in the Wolves defence.

Christophe Berra’s attempted header back to Hennessey fell short and the striker pounced to round the Wolves goalkeeper and slot home.

Blues Alex McLeish paid a glowing tribute to his “absolutely magnificent” Birmingham after they secured a vital three points.

He added: “It’s three huge points, we close the gap on Wolves and we’ve got to make an attempt to win the title,” said McLeish.

“The players are euphoric in there, it was a great performance.

“We had everything – with the drama in the game, great goals and a superb work rate and organisation from my team.

“They were absolutely magnificent and I have to compliment the full house at St Andrew’s, it was a joy to behold and they played their part as well.”

Despite the importance of the result, the game was overshadowed by Lee Carsley’s foul on Chris Iwelumo in the 36th minute – which resulted in the Birmingham captain seeing red.

The challenge, which brought back memories of Martin Taylor’s foul on Eduardo, was dangerously high on the Wolves striker and resulted in him being stretchered off.

“Chris has got a sore knee but we’ll know more tomorrow. He’s got it in ice but he’ll probably go for a scan,” confirmed McCarthy.

“At the time I couldn’t really see it, but I’ve just watched it again and let me clear something up.

“Lee wouldn’t go in to hurt anybody and that’s for sure, he’s a competitor and I think he’s just mistimed it, he’s caught him and it’s not a very nice tackle.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt it was the turning point, the game was going nowhere.

“I thought we were comfortable except for a couple of mistakes.”