Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has backed Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Colin Doyle to bounce back from his Stamford Bridge nightmare.

Corkman Doyle was partially at fault for two of Chelsea's goals in yesterday's 3-2 win for Jose Mourinho's side.

Birmingham took a shock lead after 15 minutes but new Chelsea striker Claudio Pizarro's equaliser two minutes later left Doyle red-faced as he unconvincingly attempted to block the low strike.

Birmingham regrouped smartly to pull level at 2-2 at looked full value for a point.  But Michael Essien then secured full points with a drive that Doyle got a hand to but failed to save.

"We're disappointed with the goals we gave away and we have to analyse them because they were a bit soft," said Bruce.

"It's not often you come to Stamford Bridge and score two goals, but our defensive side could have been better.

"I think the boy (Doyle) knows that he could have done better but lets not forget he helped get us here with his penalty save at Wolves four months ago.

Bruce added:  "It's disappointing for him but he's young and he'll learn from it and hopefully the mistakes are out of the way now."

Bruce has previously hailed Doyle's performances since replacing Maik Taylor as number one in February.

Doyle signed a four-year contract extension with Birmingham in April, ending speculation of a summer move to Arsenal where manager Arsene Wenger was eyeing cover for Jens Lehmann.

The 21-year-old then made his Ireland debut against Ecuador in May and is likely to start next week's friendly against Denmark in Aarhus as Newcastle United's Shay Given is sidelined with a groin injury.