Birmingham City 0-4 Derby County

Chris Martin has four goals from his last four league games

Derby County climbed up to third in the Championship with a convincing win over Birmingham City.

Jordon Ibe's solo effort and Chris Martin's 20-yard free-kick set the Rams on their way in the first half.

Blues improved slightly after the break and substitute Wes Thomas forced Lee Grant into a smart stop.

But Craig Forsyth, who scored at St Andrew's in a 3-3 draw last season, and Johnny Russell sealed the victory with late strikes.

Derby had started December as the Championship leaders, but could have been forgiven for lacking in confidence after dropping down to fifth following a defeat by Middlesbrough and a draw against Norwich City.

However, any fears of that minor wobble becoming anything more substantial were brushed aside with a fluent performance.

Midfielder Will Hughes dictated the pace for the Rams, who started confidently and were in front after seven minutes when teenager Ibe, on loan from Liverpool, skipped past a series of Birmingham defenders and fired past keeper Darren Randolph.

Russell was denied by Randolph when through one-on-one, but Martin affirmed Derby's first-half dominance by thrashing a free-kick into the net for his 16th goal of the campaign.

Blues boss Gary Rowett, who played 120 times for Derby between 1995 and 1998, has overseen a tremendous improvement in his two months in charge at St Andrew's, but his side were uninspiring in what was only their second defeat of his tenure.

With snow teeming down in the West Midlands, Birmingham made a rare chance as substitute Thomas drew a sharp save from Grant in the second half.

Randolph once again thwarted Russell at the other end as the game opened up, but Forsyth finished from 20 yards after a one-two with Ibe and Russell cut in and lashed home to cap off a productive trip.

Derby boss Steve McClaren: "From the beginning we were always in control. We dug in when we had to on occasions.

"We have talked about being ruthless and they were and it could have been a lot more. I couldn't fault how we want to play and it was a great result."

Birmingham manager Gary Rowett: "I actually thought Derby were the most clinical and threatening side that we have played in the last eight we've played.

"They showed their quality and class. Their wide players were a constant threat throughout the game."