Rowett unsure if Jack’s back

Gary Rowett is keeping an open mind about the possibility of Jack Storer being involved in the squad for Sunday`s eagerly anticipated derby against Aston Villa at St. Andrew`s.

Vital Blues understands that Storer has been training with the first team this week ahead of the clash as Rowett weighs up his options for the match day squad.

The 18 year-old has made four appearances this season but was sent off for violent conduct in the defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers in August. Back then, Rowett challenged Storer to channel his aggression in the correct manner. And Blues captain Michael Morrison told the Birmingham Mail – “You can see the talent that he has. He needs to make sure he channels his aggression in the right way and get into the right areas and scores some goals for us.”

Storer`s ability is well heralded at Wast Hills and Rowett recently described the striker as ‘the best finisher at the club`. But it comes down to a trust issue. Against Villa, emotions will be running high, the crowd will be on edge and it`s up to the players to remain professional in the face of possible adversity.

Blues will be without Jonathan Grounds who is serving a one match suspension and Robert Tesche and Paul Caddis remained side-lined through injury – otherwise Rowett`s squad has a clean bill of health.

Clayton Donaldson is expected to return to the first team fold either in alongside, or in place of, Lukas Jutkiewicz and Rhoys Wiggins may be handed his first start on the left side of a back four. However, Rowett is keeping his cards close to his chest in terms of which formation and system he will adopt.