Depleted Blues

Birmingham could be a little on the depleted side when they face Bristol City at St Andrews on Wednesday night.

Centre-back Liam Ridgewell is a major doubt, he has a tear to his thigh muscle, while full-back David Murphy is also a doubt with a thigh strain.

Recent loan signing Djimi Traore will be out of action for a couple of months with a hamstring tear, while fellow full-back Stuart Parnaby is still a month away from a comeback with his thigh problem.

Leading goalscorer Kevin Phillips isn`t ready for a return yet but is said to be progressing well after picking up a hamstring injury.

James McFadden (knee) and midfielder Kemy Agustien (groin) are both out.

But Garry O’Connor does make the squad, McLeish may be tempted to include him on the bench.

Midfielders Lee Bowyer and Sebastian Larsson also return after missing Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Sheffield United through suspension.

Ulises de la Cruz could make his debut.