Birmingham City halted their run of defeats with a 0-0 draw away at an in-form Preston North End side on Saturday. 

The Blues boss had to make a couple of changes to his defence as injuries cost him two of his three starting defenders.

Both Kristian Pedersen and Marc Roberts were ruled out for the game at North End with Dion Sanderson and George Friend coming into the back three.

But the City head coach highlighted the reason why defender Roberts missed out.

He told BirminghamLive: “Marc was a funny one, we thought it was something to do with his stomach, he had a scan but it wasn’t his stomach it was coming from his back and round the front"

“I know it sounds a bit funny but I am hopeful, nothing really showed on the scan, apart from this thing around the back. So I am hopeful he will be available for Tuesday.

“Maybe the long throw is how Robbo did his back, too many throws – and I am being serious, I think that might have played a part of it because of the rotation he did".

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Whilst the Roberts injury is not serious, Bowyer will be hoping that it doesn't hinder his long throw ability as that has been a huge asset for the Blues this season.

The draw with Preston leaves Birmingham in 12th, four points off sixth place Blackburn Rovers.

The Verdict

Roberts has been a key player for the Blues this season. Not only are his long throws so important to this side, but he's also been in top form defensively as well.

For him to miss out is a big blow and it was a huge test of character for Bowyer's side.

To miss two of your three starting defenders is a significant loss, but to keep a clean sheet highlights not only the strength in depth in this side but also the quality of coaching and organisation within the team.

It might not have been all three points, but a point and a clean sheet with key players missing against a form side is a massive positive.