Agger strike enough for Liverpool

Birmingham regained their pride but still bowed out of another competition at the hands of Liverpool as Daniel Agger's goal in first-half stoppage-time settled their Carling Cup fourth round clash at St Andrews.

Blues had been humiliated 7-0 on the same ground in an FA Cup tie last season - the lowest point of Steve Bruce's managerial career.

This tie was a far more competitive affair against a Reds side who made nine changes from the starting line-up against Reading at the weekend - although the visitors were worthy winners.

Several Birmingham players appeared to throw in the towel on that ill-fated March night but the current side showed plenty of effort and determination.

But Danish international Agger's second goal of the current campaign was sufficient to earn the Merseysiders a place in the quarter-finals.

Liverpool were forced into a substitution after 26 minutes when, after a lengthy delay, Mohamed Sissoko was stretchered off with what appeared to be a dislocated right shoulder after he had fallen awkwardly following a challenge by Mehdi Nafti.

The visitors were looking more threatening and the impressive Mark Gonzalez exchanged passes with former Blues favourite Jermaine Pennant after taking a short corner - and his powerful cross-shot was deflected just past Maik Taylor's far post.

Birmingham produced their best chance of the opening half after 44 minutes when Martin Taylor made a run down the left flank before sending over a low cross for DJ Campbell to run onto but he was denied at point blank range by Dudek.

But in the fifth of seven minutes of stoppage time Liverpool finally went ahead through Agger, who had the space to lash the ball into the roof of the net from close range after the hosts had failed to deal with a corner from Pennant.

Liverpool were by far the better side in the second 45 minutes and Craig Bellamy could have notched a hat-trick - and saw a penalty saved by Taylor.