BY THE time Rovers return to league action again on February 1 against Leeds United at home, they will know just what squad they have to work with for the remainder of the season.

More than three weeks have passed since the transfer window re-opened, with the clock ticking towards that 11pm deadline on January 31.

Owen Coyle is targeting additions, at least three as well as the return of Marvin Emnes, though said in the lead up to the game that he felt his side could stave off relegation with this current squad.

Whether they can, or indeed would, should no new players come through the doors at Ewood Park, is a point up for debate.

But on this evidence, there is an urgent need for fresh faces, and impetus, as although just goal difference separates themselves from Championship safety, they slipped to second bottom of the table.

The squad is starting to look thin as injuries to continue to bite, and Rovers can ill-afford to risk leaving themselves short ahead of the crucial run-in.

Even midfielder Hope Akpan in an interview with the matchday programme stated that incomings “would be welcomed” and they would “add some spark”.

It was one they were bereft of for an opening half an hour in which Birmingham dominated, with Rovers fortunate not to be more than one goal behind.

Though one thing that can’t be levelled at this squad is that they lack determination, or fight, recovering what was simply an awful start to the game.

Yet again they were masters of their own downfall, with Jason Steele’s indecision costing him as he could only bring down David Cotterill as he went through in just the third minute.

The keeper almost made up for it as he got a hand to Lukas Jutkiewicz’s spot-kick, but the power saw the ball find the corner as Birmingham built up a 1-0 lead.

Rovers were cut open again inside the opening 10 minutes as Cotterill was played in by Che Adams, but Steele was equal to his effort one-on-one.

A switch a five-man midfield help Rovers gain a foothold in the game however, as Danny Graham and Hope Akpan both had headers on goals from Liam Feeney crosses.

And they were to get an equaliser in first-half stoppage time by finishing off their best move of the half.

After working the ball in to the box, Akpan fed Derrick Williams whose cross was turned home by an excellent Graham finish.

Birmingham enjoyed the better of the second half, with Jutkiewicz inches away from turning in an Adams cross, while Cotterill’s curling effort was just wide of the far post.

But Rovers were guilty of missing chances after the break themselves, with Sam Gallagher firing over from inside the six yard box as he got on the end of another Feeney cross.

The crowd roared on Rovers as they built up ahead of steam just after the hour mark, though couldn’t force another stand-out chance that could have seen them win the game.

And in the end, they were grateful for Steele turning over a Ryan Shotton header in the closing stages to avoid them falling to yet another late defeat.

But in the context of their league position, this felt like another missed opportunity for Rovers when the final whistle blew.

Games are ticking by, and they still remain in a perilous position, as they were unable to build on the positive spells they enjoyed within the game.

Days towards the deadline are also continuing to pass, and while new signings may not be the determining factor in Rovers staying up, they certain wouldn’t hinder, and would provide some much needed competition for a squad which is starting to become stretched.

A crucial period of the season this could well be.