David Gold has insisted the month of October will provide Birmingham with their toughest test yet but has backed Steve Bruce's men to emerge unscathed and on course for a return to the Premiership.

Ahead of the international break, Birmingham sit second in the Championship but are suffering their first 'blip' of the campaign without a win in three fixtures.

Such is the level of expectation at St Andrew's that two consecutive home draws and second place in the table is viewed by a section of supporters as disappointing.

But the auguries are good for a promotion push and when Bruce's squad return to league duty after their international commitments, they face a punishing schedule of six games inside 17 days.

Trips to Luton Town, Derby County and Coventry City along with Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion visiting St Andrew's represents a tough batch of league fixtures.

Throw in a Carling Cup trip to Sheffield United and the picture should be far clearer regarding Birmingham's promotion credentials and Gold is convinced it is a test they will pass with flying colours.

"This is a tough month but when the going gets tough, it is time for the tough to get going," said Gold.

"There are lots of big games on the horizon but we are a big club and we will need to show our mettle. The board have done their bit and so have the players and manager this season.

"If we come out of October there or thereabouts that will stand us in good stead."

The anxiety at St Andrew's has been tangible so far this season as opponents are, unrealistically, expected to be swatted aside.

With Cardiff City pulling five points clear after their demolition job on Wolver-hampton Wanderers at the weekend, Leicester City's late equaliser has only served to crank up the pressure.

Nevertheless Gold is at ease with the team's position although can empathise with supporters.

"Fans will be edgy because there is such huge expectation this season," he continued.

"Supporters have seen the side and players we have got and thought what would we want to be different?

"Would they want to change the likes of Gary McSheffrey or Nicklas Bendtner for anyone else in this division?

"The answer is resounding no. When you throw in a fit David Dunn people will think 'wow, this is some team.'

"It has been fine this season but I am sure the supporters will be disappointed when we look at the opportunity we had three games ago. Fortunately we had a good buffer of points and we are in there with around 12 other teams battling away. Of course we would like to be five points clear like Cardiff but we are only 12 games in and have hardly scratched the surface.

"We've got a bigger squad than Cardiff and we will see how they cope with injuries and suspensions."

Gold was still lamenting the decision by Steve Bennett not to send off Conrad Logan. Leicester's goalkeeper cynically fouled Dudley Campbell when he was clean through during Saturday's 1-1 draw.

If Bennett had brandished a red card the outcome would arguably have been far different to the one that transpired.

Whilst Bruce and his assistant manager Eric Black proffered diplomatic views over the incident, Gold was far more forthright in his opinion last night.

"The last time I felt so aggrieved about a refereeing decision was at the Carling Cup final in 2001.

"Andrew Johnson was bought down by Stephane Henchoz and everyone in the country knew it was a penalty. Everyone except for David Elleray who couldn't bring himself to point to the penalty spot twice in one game," recalled Gold becoming more animated.

"I think the decision not to send off Leicester's goalkeeper was almost as bad.

"It was a cynical foul and the goalkeeper went on to have an outstanding game as he knew it was going to be his day.

"When you consider we have had four red cards this season, it makes it difficult to stomach."