JUDE FACING A NERVY END TO BRUM RUN

IT DOESN’T matter how old you are, failure hurts – especially in the Championship.

Birmingham’s Jude Bellingham may be off to start a new life with Borussia Dortmund but he cut a dejected figure after a defeat that leaves his current club perched on the relegation precipice.

It will be a nervy finale for the 17-year-old midfielder (above) before his switch to Germany.

Only victory against Derby on Wednesday will guarantee Championship football at St. Andrew’s next season, though a draw will probably suffice.

Preston’s Paul Gallagher, on the other hand, is 35 and hopes merely to extend his stay at Deepdale for another crack at reaching the Premier League.

Gallagher, who assisted in both goals for Patrick Bauer and Brad Potts, said: “I’ve played 30 games this season, so I still feel I’m a key member of the squad.

“We’re not making any excuses about not reaching the play-offs. At the end of the day we just weren’t good enough, though it hurts me to say that.”

Brum caretaker boss Steve Spooner knows his team will have to be strong against Derby after 13 games without a win.

“I won’t have to say anything about what is required.” he said. “Everybody’s pride is at stake.”

Preston face Bristol City in their final game, with manager Alex

Neil stating: “We haven’t made the play-offs, but expectations have shifted since I’ve been here.

“When I first arrived we were happy to just compete in the Championship, but that’s not the case any more. I think we have to put things into perspective.”