Johnson needs a back operation

Damien Johnson needs a back operation and that means that the Birmingham captain will be out of the side for at least two months.

Johnson has been to Austria with the rest of the squad, but had to return to Birmingham when his back problem came back in training.

‘Damien will have to have surgery on his back. He has resisted it over the last couple of years but now it is felt that an operation is best,’ Alex McLeish told the club’s official website.

‘He will be out of action for no less than two months and we will support him 100% with the operation and rehabilitation.

‘Damien is our club captain but because of his injury Lee Carsley will wear the armband when the new campaign gets underway. Lee has a vast knowledge of the game and is an excellent leader.’