Harry Redknapp happy with Birmingham City display despite defeat to Aston Villa

New Birmingham City boss Harry Redknapp has taken heart from his side's display in their 1-0 derby defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.

The 70-year-old lined up his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation - a change from the back three favoured by Gianfranco Zola - and looked to be heading for a point at Villa Park before substitute Gabriel Agbonlahor struck to deny the Blues.

Redknapp told Sky Sports News: "I take a lot of encouragement from that [display]. The attitude has been terrific all week; everything we asked them to do in training they have done today.

"Would they be able to carry that on to the pitch with them? I thought they did. They worked their socks off, I can't ask for more from them. They gave absolutely everything.

"I feel a lot more confident than when I walked in on Monday. I looked at the record - two wins in 24 - and I thought, 'My God, we need a miracle'. Don't get me wrong, I know it will still be tough but I was really pleased with them today.

"Huddersfield next week is a massive game and we have to make sure St Andrew's is rocking. I hope the fans are pleased with what they saw today. The result isn't what we wanted but they can't fault the effort. I can't fault the effort."

Birmingham stay one place and two points above the Championship relegation zone with two games to go.