ROY KEANE never thought life in the Premier League was going to be easy, and Sunderland were forced to do it the hard way at St Andrew's.

For 75 minutes of this meeting, these two of the promoted sides looked nothing more than what they were last season. Championship sides.

Passes went astray and neither team dominated proceedings, despite Birmingham's first half opener when Paul McShane unfortunately chested beyond into his own net.

There was a lack of cutting edge for most of the encounter and it was not until Michael Chopra hit his stunning volley that Sunderland's play improved.

Even after Birmingham regained the lead through Garry O'Connor, the Black Cats continued to push forward and they were deserving of the point courtesy of Stern John's late leveller.

What Keane will do in the transfer market before August 31 remains in doubt, but this result made it clear that top quality new signings are still required - even if almost £30m has been spent.