Birmingham City will face Bolton tomorrow desperate to end a Carling Cup hangover that defender Roger Johnson admits went on too long.

Wembley glory has seemed a million miles away since the big day on February 27 as Blues have lost in the FA Cup and taken just one point from three Premier League games, including defeats to fellow-strugglers Albion and Wigan.

Injuries and the busy schedule took their toll.

But too heavy a toll, according to Johnson, who admits that ever since losing to Wigan two weeks ago Blues have been counting down the days for a chance to put the record straight.

“The League Cup final took it out of us for a week and you might expect a reaction in the following game but certainly not four games after that,” the defender said.

“We have talked about the situation amongst ourselves and we all know that people have got to start stepping up to the plate and showing why they are at this club.

“The gaffer gave us a few days off last week but the Wigan result was still in the back of our minds, certainly in the back of mine and hopefully other people’s. It has been a long two weeks and now we have to put that result right.

“It would have been nice to have a game the Tuesday after Wigan to put it right. It’s not been nice having that at the back of your mind but now we are close to the match we have been waiting for and are looking to put it right.”