The former Tottenham and England star missed two gilt-edged chances in the second half although defeat would have been a travesty for battling Saints, who at least lifted themselves off the bottom of the table with a deserved point.

They enjoyed the better of the first half and Mikael Nilsson missed an excellent opening, shooting into the sidenetting with Maik Taylor scrambling outside his area.

Anderton missed a glorious chance to snatch victory for Birmingham in the 77th minute.

Heskey’s cross was cleared untidily by Belgian defender Jelle van Damme straight to the former England midfielder – but his volley from 12 yards was smartly saved by Niemi who, in reality, should not have been given the chance to make a save.

Birmingham’s Damien Johnson was lucky not to be sent off five minutes from time when he reacted to a tackle by McCann by grabbing him around the neck.

Referee Dean, who had contributed a few odd decisions, did well this time, diving in to prevent Johnson doing more harm and then merely lecturing both combatants.