Marcus Bent scored Birmingham's first goal of their pre-season campaign

Birmingham City ended their pre-season goal drought with a 1-0 victory over League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge at Victoria Road on Wednesday.

Marcus Bent's 77th-minute goal secured the win for City, who failed to score on their three-match tour of Austria.

"Players are still adjusting after injuries, and we're trying to shake off a bit of sluggishness, manager Alex McLeish told BBC WM.

Birmingham begin the season away to Manchester United on Sunday, 16 August.

Visa problems have so far prevented record signing Christian Benitez from joining up with the Blues.

Cameron Jerome and James McFadden began up front against Dagenham, and McLeish said there is more work to do for his strikers.

"I'd like to think we could be a better threat in forward areas," said the former Scotland manager.

"A couple of players are still trying to find 100% sharpness.

"At times we had good opportunities, but some players are still adjusting after taking pre-season off."

Meanwhile, McLeish said that there is no truth in the rumours linking striker Kevin Phillips with a move to Leicester City.

"Nobody has approached us," he said "It's just designed to keep the papers selling."

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