HARRY Redknapp took a flutter on a few new faces at St Andrews last night.

But on last night's evidence, particularly an awful first-half display, few will be putting big money on Saints' Premiership survival.

A major part of the reason is obvious. With the exception of trips to Charlton and Arsenal, Saints have looked incapable of picking up wins away from St Mary's this season.

In fairness, Redknapp's men did stir quite significantly after the break last night, but by that stage they faced what proved an insurmountable position at 2-0 down. It was the same story at Newcastle and Manchester City.

For whatever reason, the players seem to lack a major edge away from home, particularly early on when all is still to play for.

The form at home isn't great, but the team always looks far better and well capable of getting results.

Yet the simple truth is that with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea still to visit St Mary's and trips to Crystal Palace and West Brom looming, it looks impossible to base the relegation fight solely on home wins.

Kenwyne Jones and Olivier Bernard were both given their Saints starting debuts last night, while Jelle Van Damme was a surprise addition wide on the left.

Along with the rest of the outfield players, none of this trio covered themselves in glory as Saints were out-fought and out-played during an opening period dominated by Birmingham.

The left-flank, in particular, was weak as Bernard and Van Damme both struggled to find the pace of the game.

On the other side, Jones appeared like a fish out of Trinidadian waters as he attempted to play wide on the right of a five-man midfield.

After the improvements in recent weeks, particularly against Liverpool, there had been a hope that Saints were poised to turn their season around. At least a point at Birmingham looked gettable.

Unfortunately, though, it was back to a familiar script this season with Saints pretty lucky to only be 2-0 behind at the break.

Birmingham, in fairness, were impressive with their transfer window additions Jermaine Pennant and Walter Pandiani making a particular impact.

Redknapp made one change at half-time and Saints did look a different team in the second-half largely thanks to the arrival of Henri Camara.

The Senegalese international terrified the Birmingham back-line with his pace. But despite a superb goal, it was again a case of too little too late.

Just two league points away from St Mary's - the worst away record in English professional football - unfortunately says it all right now.

Being difficult to beat at home is not going to be enough.

To avoid the Championship next season, Saints must surely resemble the same football team away from home that they are at St Mary's.