Vignal Should Be Back For Villa Clash

Blues defender Gregory Vignal is hoping to be fit to face Aston Villa at St Andrews next weekend.

The Frenchman picked up a hip injury in the game against Portsmouth, but his return looks to be an early one as the player is making good progress.

McLeish said: ‘I’d expect Vignal to be ready for the Villa game. I hate to make predictions, but I’d expect him to be OK.

‘It’s been a blow to lose him as he came in and looked the part. He’s a natural leftie and gave us good balance.

‘Stuart Parnaby and then Stephen Carr acquitted themselves well at left-back – Carr in particular has been exceptional – but Vignal has been a miss.’