Norwich City missed out on a chance to close the gap on the Championship promotion places as they were held to a goalless draw with Birmingham City.

The home side started brighter and Dave Cotterill forced John Ruddy into an early save with an effort from outside the box, before Darren Randolph was alert to snuff out a through pass from Bradley Johnson at the other end.

Nathan Redmond's quick break resulted in a cross for Lewis Grabban, but the striker could not get enough contact on his volley under pressure from the Birmingham defence.

Redmond then forced Randolph into a stop when he let fly from around 30 yards with a well-struck attempt.

After the break, Russell Martin hooked Redmond's cross over the bar, but there was little in the way of genuine chances for either side.

Martin went closer moments later when his header was cleared off the line as the Blues held on at St Andrew's.