CRAIG Short is bracing himself for a bruising encounter at St Andrews tonight as two of the most powerful heavyweights in the First Division prepare to go head-to-head.

Short looks certain to be recalled to Graeme Souness's starting line-up after missing Saturday's 3-0 thumping at Arsenal.

And the rugged defender's sheer presence at the back could turn out to be a key factor in what threatens to be a physical encounter.

"It's more difficult to play in this league than it is in the Premiership," said Short.

"Physically, it's harder to defend because you're constantly being bombarded.

"Most sides try to turn you and get you facing your own goal.

"And that's what we expect from Birmingham.

"It's going to be a physical game because they're a physical side.

"So we're going to have to stand up and be counted if we want to come away with something."

With both sides currently locked in a battle for second spot, there's a lot riding on tonight's result.

But Short insists a defeat would not spell disaster for Rovers -- even if that would then put City six points clear.

"Birmingham have been on the charge for the last two months so we always knew this was going to be a tough one.

"They've been close challengers over the last couple of years and in the last 18 months I think they've got even stronger," said Short.

"They're a very solid, professional team who work very hard.

"And they showed their quality by getting through to the final of the Worthington Cup.

"They gave us a very tough game on Boxing Day when we scored a last minute winner.

"But whatever happens tonight, it's not the end of our season.

"We've still got 12 games to go after that and it's possible for anyone to lose a couple of games on the trot."