More Defensive Concerns

Sounds familiar doesn’t it! Martin Taylor has now been ruled out of action for up to three weeks.

Following scans it was discovered that Taylor has torn a stomach muscle during the game against Leeds United.

Steve Bruce said:

‘We expect ‘Tiny’ to be out for at least 21 days.

‘It’s a blow as we can’t keep to keep a settled defence together at the moment.’

With Taylor out it means that Tebily will have to partner Jaidi in the middle against Leicester.

N’Gotty is suspended after his own stupid errors on the pitch, with Leicester being the last of his 3 match suspension.

Matthew Upson is making good progress but is still nowhere near being ready for the first team, he however does have a reserve fixture lined up for October 9.

Outside the middle of defence and on the right, Blues will be without Johnson who begins his three match suspension but we do have Stephen Kelly back now.

On the left Mat Sadler is considered doubtful and will undergo a late fitness test after injuring his groin at Cardiff. His return is very touch and go at the minute.

Steve Bruce also informed the press he had sat the squad down over the consistent sendings off and said:

‘I’ve spoken to the players and they know that this silliness has got to stop, because that’s what it is.

‘Fair enough, if you get sent-off for a mistimed tackle and you were a bit unlucky, that’s the way it goes sometimes.

‘Although we are relatively young and naive and mistakes can happen, you don’t expect experienced players like Bruno and Jonty to do what they did.

‘Bruno kicked someone and as for Jonty, well, it was a horrible challenge.

‘I will defend my players to the hilt if they have been unfortunate, but I couldn’t defend those two acts of stupidity.

‘It has also been pointed out to the players that if they get sent off, it costs them in terms of fines and losing their place. If you are out for three matches someone might come in, do well and keep the shirt.

‘And, of course, it also affects the club too. We cannot keep going down to 10 men and expect to get results.

‘We all want to get promotion this season, we are all striving for the same thing. So when you get sent off, you let down yourself, your team- mates, the fans and the club.

‘Yes, everybody has the old red flashes come over them every now and again. But it is about time we kept our control and discipline.’