Ten-man Birmingham are on the verge of being promoted back to the Barclays Premiership after second-half goals from Cameron Jerome and Sebastian Larsson disposed of Sheffield Wednesday at St Andrews.

Blues need another point at Preston on the final day of the campaign to make sure of going up - if Derby beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park tomorrow - while they also have a far superior goal difference.

On-loan Arsenal midfielder Fabrice Muamba was sent off with just over half an hour remaining for two bookable challenges.

But this seemed only to inspire Steve Bruce's side, with substitute Jerome breaking the deadlock and then Larsson scoring a superb individual goal six minutes from time.

The final whistle was greeted with joyous scenes from the 29,000 capacity crowd, who seemed convinced promotion back to the top flight was virtually assured.

Bruce rebuilt the side last summer after Blues were relegated and, in mid-October, his job appeared under threat after a home reversal by Norwich.

But the City board kept faith with the former Manchester United captain and their belief looks like being rewarded.

In contrast, the end of Wednesday's 11-match unbeaten run ends their hopes of finishing in the top six.

The opening 45 minutes was a nervy affair in front of a capacity 28,000 crowd, with Blues generally in control but being over-elaborate in the final third.

Wednesday looked suspect early on to the ball played in between their defence and a pass from Bruno N'Gotty was only inches too pacey for the run of Nicklas Bendtner and Adamson was able to collect.

A flick-on from Bendtner was controlled by Andy Cole in the box but he was unable to get in his shot after being crowded out by the visitors' defence.

Wednesday were having problems dealing with set pieces and Stephen Clemence sent a glancing header just over the bar from a McSheffrey corner.

Deon Burton had a volley deflected over the bar before Birmingham's best chance of the half fell to McSheffrey after 39 minutes when he raced towards the Owls box from Larsson's chip forward.

But City's leading scorer has been short of confidence in front of goal in recent weeks and his chip over Adamson was far too high.

Wednesday started the second half promisingly and Marcus Tudgay should have done better with a header from Chris Brunt's cross which he directed wide.

Muamba became the first player to be yellow carded by referee Paul Taylor for a challenge on Steve MacLean although replays suggested he had won the ball fairly.

Blues looked lethargic at the start of the second period and Radhi Jaidi was booked for a foul on Richard Wood, who had evaded three challenges.

Then came Muamba's second yellow card after 58 minutes for a reckless challenge on Glenn Whelan.

His dismissal seemed to wake up Birmingham and Cole made a determined run into the Wednesday box but Clemence was far too hurried with his shot from the eventual pass and it flew high into the Tilton End.

Bruce attempted to stiffen up his midfield by taking off the out-of-form McSheffrey and bringing on Mehdi Nafti.

Bendtner's close control let him down when he raced clear of the Wednesday defence from Nafti's pass and it was his last taste of the action before being replaced by the pacey Jerome.

Blues had a let off after 71 minutes when Kenny Lunt burst into the box and his shot beat Colin Doyle but cannoned back off the crossbar.

But four minutes later St Andrews erupted when Jerome finally broke the deadlock.

Adamson parried Jaidi's header from an inswinging Sebastian Larsson corner - and Jerome was alert and smashed home from close range.

With six minutes remaining, Larsson ensured victory when he cut in from the touchline, evaded two challenges and drilled a low drive past Adamson into the far corner of the net.

Teams:

Birmingham Doyle, N'Gotty, Jaidi, Martin Taylor, Kelly,Larsson, Muamba, Clemence, McSheffrey (Nafti 63),Bendtner (Jerome 68), Cole (Vine 76).

Subs Not Used: Maik Taylor, Campbell.

Sent Off: Muamba (58).

Booked: Muamba, Jaidi, Clemence.

Goals: Jerome 74, Larsson 84.

Sheff Wed Adamson, Simek (Clarke 86), Bullen, Wood, Spurr,Tudgay, Whelan, Lunt (Johnson 76), Brunt, MacLean, Burton.

Subs Not Used: O'Donnell, Folly, Gilbert.

Booked: Bullen, Burton.

Att: 29,317

Ref: P Taylor (Hertfordshire).