Crystal Palace vs Blues

Birmingham travel to London for the Championship clash with Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.

And manager Alex McLeish is sweating on the fitness of ever present Lee Carsley, he had to leave the pitch after just half-an-hour of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Coventry with a neck injury.

Experienced defender Stephen Carr joined the club on a one month deal yesterday and should go straight into the team at right back.

But there is no place for top scorer Kevin Phillips who has a hamstring problem while Garry O`Connor is out with a groin injury and James McFadden has a knee problem.

Also remaining sidelined are right-back Stuart Parnaby (thigh) and midfielder Kemy Agustien (groin).

‘I’ll now consider shuffling the pack with Crystal Palace on Tuesday in mind,’ he told the club’s official website.

‘I have players sat on the bench and in the squad who must now be thinking they should have a chance.’