Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce didn't mince his words after defeat at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

"We've had a harsh lesson in what the Premier League is about," said an exasperated Bruce.

"We made Middlesbrough look like world beaters - we got our backsides kicked.

"How good we were last week against Derby we were as bad this week. It was a woeful display - I'm not going to lie to you or b******t you. We were absolutely sh**e."