The Reds came from two goals behind as a second-string eleven secured fourth place and Champions League football next season, ahead of the semi final second leg with Chelsea on Wednesday.

Rafa still chose a strong line-up with young midfielder Damien Plessis alongside Lucas in midfield and Voronin and Crouch up front. It was Crouch who scored the Reds’ first before Yossi Benayoun equalised. Jermaine Pennant was returning to his old club and was Liverpool’s best performer.

BBC Report

Birmingham let a two-goal lead slip against Liverpool as they were denied a crucial win in their relegation battle.

Mikael Forssell lashed in a shot at the far post to put the Blues ahead, with Sebastian Larsson’s exquisite long range free-kick adding to their lead.

But Peter Crouch guided in a shot to haul the Reds back into the game.

Liverpool penned the Blues back and Yossi Benayoun equalised with a deflected header, which all-but secures fourth spot for the Anfield side.

The point moves them nine ahead of fifth-placed Everton, who have three games left but a less superior goal difference.

And the Reds made their comeback with a side seeing nine changes to the team which drew 1-1 with Chelsea in the Champions League in midweek, although there was only one change from the second string side which beat Fulham last week.

There was little in the way of goalmouth action in the early stages but Birmingham slowly increased their level of urgency.

Olivier Kapo showed some good skill to get to byline only to power in cross which everyone missed when he was better placed pick out a team-mate.

McFadden did not make the same mistake when he teased John Arne Riise to give himself space to cross for Forssell, who chested the ball down and lashed in a shot.

Crouch’s low long range effort forced Taylor into a scrambling save but Birmingham held on to their lead going into the interval.

Liverpool tried to raise their game in the second half but their play lacked a cutting edge as they struggled to pierce the resolute defence of the home side.

The Reds lacked a player with the creative mould of ex-Everton striker and Birmingham playmaker McFadden and he had a hand in his side’s second goal.

The Scot was brought down by Martin Skrtel and Larsson curled in the set-piece from 30-yards, with Radhi Jaidi stood in front of keeper Reina and putting him off.

Crouch sidefooted the Reds back into the game after ex-Blues winger Jermaine Pennant’s good work to set up a nervous finish at St Andrews.

Voronin and Benayoun each went close for the visitors with Liverpool forcing their opponent on to the backfoot.

Pennant was a key figure in Liverpool’s comeback as he started exerting the same influence as McFadden.

And, Birmingham finally buckled when Benayoun levelled with a header which went in after Jaidi’s deflection.

Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Kelly, Jaidi, Ridgewell (Queudrue 77), Murphy, Larsson, Muamba, Nafti, Kapo (McSheffrey 77), Forssell (Zarate 87), McFadden. Subs Not Used: Doyle, Jerome.
Booked: Murphy, Nafti.
Goals: Forssell 34, Larsson 55.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Skrtel, Riise (Insua 64), Pennant, Plessis, Lucas, Benayoun, Crouch, Voronin.
Subs Not Used: Itandje, Gerrard, Kuyt, Carragher.
Booked: Voronin.
Goals: Crouch 63, Benayoun 76.

Att: 29,252
Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)