When Steve Bruce checked the fixture list before his side embarked on their first Premiership camaign, Fulham at home would have been one of the games that he would have earmarked as a potential three pointer.

Even though Jean Tigana's squad still contains a plethura of international players, it was still a fixture that held the promise of victory for the Blues boss.

He would therefore have been desperately disappointed by this goalless stalemate, not least for the fact that the visitors finished the game with nine men.

Rufus Brevett was sent off in the first half for a handball and Steve Marlet followed him for an early bath towards the end of the game.

Stern John also fluffed the spot kick that resulted from Brevett's goalline save and Blues had two other goals wiped out for offside.

Blues came out of the traps like a rabbit chasing a hare and deserved better reward for their early pressure.

Geoff Horsfield was given his first Premiership start since late August and almost rewarded boss Steve Bruce as early as the fourth minute.

The former Fulham forward showed good close control inside the area to beat his marker before firing in a low shot that was only just tipped away by Edwin Van Der Sar in the visitors' goal.

Stan Lazaridis had earlier seen a free-kick curl inches over the bar but had it found the target and beaten Van Der Sar it would have been ruled out for offside.

It was that same official, Mr Martin from Yorkshire, that frustrated Blues by raising his flag again to halt Darren Purse's celebrations at converting a chance from close range.