Blues' boss is backing Boro in the big promotion race to the top

City boss Chris Davies believes Middlesbrough have a "real chance" of winning promotion this season, after Boro became just the second team to beat his team in the league at St Andrew's in almost two years.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Two goals from Matt Targett and one from David Strelec sealed a huge victory for Boro in the Midlands. The 3-1 victory ended a three-match winless run for Kim Hellberg's side and ensured they remained four points clear of third-placed Millwall.

Davies took over at Birmingham at the start of last season.

Boro became only the second team to beat a Birmingham side led by Davies on home turf, after Hull City's win earlier this season in October. Asked his verdict on Boro, he said: "It was not something we're used to. But I think leading up to the game, I was very impressed with Middlesbrough.

"I think they've gone onto a bit of a different level to when we played them last, but they played a completely different shape than we anticipated. They went into a back five, for the first time since the Preston match, I think.