But it was not a conclusive performance from a Birmingham side who finally recorded their first win of the year.
They struggled to find their form against a resolute Stoke side that were often the more dangerous in a sometimes dire first half.
It was not until the 71st minute that McSheffrey, who is nursing an ankle injury which prevented him training last week, broke the stalemate with a brilliant headed goal.
McSheffrey, noted for his shooting prowess, was perfectly placed to head home Nicklas Bendtner's long cross from the right to the huge disappointment of the Stoke side.
But in front of their lowest crowd of the season, Birmingham produced a frustrating performance.
It was not totally unexpected against a Stoke side which defends in depth as they did superbly on this occasion.
With Jonathan Fortune and Danny Higginbotham shutting out the Birmingham strikeforce, the game was never a classic
If Birmingham needed an early wake-up call it was provided by Ricardo Fuller. The gangly Stoke striker was always on the look out for an opening.
His fire on sight policy was troublesome for Birmingham, but fortunately for the Blues, goalkeeper Colin Doyle was always in the right spot in the first half to make three smart saves.
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, who has taken over from Maik Taylor in the last two games, boosted his confidence with another save to keep out a long-range effort from Andy Griffin.
Birmingham struggled to break down Stoke's resolute defence as they did in August in a goalless draw.
Their hopes of a breakthrough were raised when Cameron Jerome lashed the ball into the net following a flick on by Bendtner but he was narrowly ruled offside.
Bendtner then forced Steve Simonsen into making the save of the game when he flicked the striker's powerful shot over the bar.
Doyle distinguished himself midway through the second half when he came off his goalline to narrow the angle in a one-on-one facing Lee Martin and saved going to his left.
Birmingham then made a double substitution sending on recent signing Rowan Vine and Sebastian Larsson.
The introduction of Larsson for Stephen Clemence was not welcomed by the Birmingham fans, but St Andrew's erupted when Bendtner created the opening from which McSheffrey produced his first headed goal for the club in the 71st minute.