An afterthought for Ireland’s recent World Cup qualifiers — he only came into the squad for the Austria game after Robbie Keane withdrew through injury — Kevin Doyle has been busy reminding Giovanni Trapattoni of just what he has to offer with three goals in six games for Wolves.

Dean Saunders is convinced Kevin Doyle can get back to making sweet music for Wolves now that, as the manager puts it, “the piano is off his back”.

Andre Villas-Boas yesterday made Gylfi Sigurdsson his first signing as Tottenham head coach.

Sunderland are moving ahead with plans to pair Republic of Ireland winger Aiden McGeady with his international colleague James McClean at the Stadium of Light this season.

Birmingham are facing a player shortage ahead of tomorrow’s home FA Cup fifth-round replay against Chelsea with eight senior members of the squad cup-tied or injured.

Chelsea 1 Birmingham 1

KAGISHO DIKGACOI’S late header secured a first home win for Palace since October and left Birmingham’s European adventurers empty-handed.

Birmingham 2 Burnley 1

NEIL LENNON has warned his Celtic defence against conceding yet another early goal in Europe when they take on Italian side Udinese in their Europa League clash at Parkhead tonight (6pm).

Birmingham have confirmed the release of Kevin Phillips, Sebastian Larsson and Lee Bowyer following the club’s relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

Newcastle 2 Birmingham 1

FT: Birmingham 1 Wolves 1

Alex McLeish is to delay contract talks with several Birmingham players until the summer.

Birmingham 2 Bolton 1

Striker Hugo Rodallega has been named among the Wigan substitutes for the crunch match against fellow Premier League strugglers Birmingham.

Birmingham’s injury crisis has eased ahead of the Premier League relegation battle at Wigan on Saturday.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish made five changes for the FA Cup quarter-final with Bolton at St Andrew’s today.

READING’S Ian Harte says he’d welcome a return to international football if Giovanni Trapattoni picked up the phone but, for now, he’s happy to concentrate on matters domestic.

DAVID MURPHY is dreaming of playing at Wembley in the FA Cup for Birmingham — a year after fearing his career could be over.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will check on the fitness of a host of players before naming his side for tomorrow's FA Cup quarter-final with Bolton at St Andrew’s.

Birmingham midfielder Barry Ferguson could return to action in Saturday’s home FA Cup quarter-final with Bolton – less then two weeks after suffering a broken rib.

BIRMINGHAM moved out of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone after holding Everton to a draw at Goodison Park last night.

Everton 1 Birmingham 1

IT’S hard to imagine a player less likely to match Arsene Wenger’s template of a modern footballer than Nikola Zigic.

Birmingham 3 Sheffield Wednesday 0

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is set to make several changes for tomorrow’s home FA Cup fourth-round clash against Coventry.

Birmingham 1 Aston Villa 1

Birmingham will welcome back several key players for tomorrow’s Carling Cup semi-final first-leg clash with West Ham at Upton Park.

Birmingham midfielder Lee Bowyer will be suspended for the next three matches after accepting a Football Association charge of violent conduct for a challenge on Arsenal’s Bacary Sagna.

ALEX FERGUSON is the master of late goals and he has taught his star pupil Alex McLeish well.

Birmingham 1 Manchester United 1

STEPHEN HUNT has endured the misery of Premier League relegation twice in the last three seasons, however his midlands derby winner eased the likelihood of him having to suffer a similar experience at the third time of asking this season.

Wolves 1 Birmingham 0

Birmingham 2 Aston Villa 1

BIRMINGHAM boss Alex McLeish hailed Stephen Carr after the defender produced another impressive display in City’s 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

ACC Bank is pursuing a couple for summary judgment orders for almost €5 million over unpaid loans advanced to develop office accommodation in Wexford.

Skipper Stephen Carr insists Birmingham have enough quality to avoid being part of a relegation battle – if they cut out conceding sloppy goals.

THERE may be a growing sense at Eastlands that the end is nigh for manager Roberto Mancini – at least, it felt that way when the Italian was jeered by the majority of the stadium as he took off Carlos Tevez late in this latest drab stalemate – but all evidence points to the contrary.

Manchester City 0 Birmingham 0

Birmingham skipper Stephen Carr insists he has no regrets about the hand gesture which angered Aston Villa fans and led to him receiving a ban as he prepares for Sunday’s derby at Villa Park.

Birmingham 1 Brentford 1 (aet, Birmingham win 4-3 on penalties)

Birmingham 2 Blackpool 0

Sunderland 1 Aston Villa 0

Arsenal 2 Birmingham 1