By Jonathan Stevenson

Doyle took over as number one from Maik Taylor last season

Birmingham goalkeeper Colin Doyle has backed boss Steve Bruce to keep them away from Premier League relegation.

The Blues are among the favourites for the drop, but 21-year-old Doyle, set for his first season in the top flight, says Bruce's experience is crucial.

"Steve's wealth of experience is massive and his track record at this club shows just what a good manager he is," Doyle told BBC Sport.

"He's bought some superb players and we've all got total faith in him."

Bruce has been at St Andrews for six years, but appeared to be on the brink of losing his job after a difficult start to life in the Championship last season.

606: DEBATE Where do you think Birmingham will finish this season?

A 1-0 defeat at home to Norwich in October led to some calls for him to stand down, before the Blues won six of their next seven league games to begin their promotion push.

Doyle reckons last season's difficulties will stand Bruce and his players in good stead for the battle ahead.

"Steve is a fighter and he proved that as a player and a manager," added Doyle.

"It would have been easy for him to quit when things weren't going well, but he stood up to it and came out of it with promotion.

"He just gets on with his job and believes what he is doing is right. He's fair to everyone and all the players get on with him.

"We want to stay up and push higher up that league, not just try to avoid relegation."