Upson faces fitness fight

BIRMINGHAM centre-back Matthew Upson concedes he faces a battle to be fit for Saturday’s relegation showdown with rock-bottom Sunderland.

He has been out for almost three weeks due to a groin injury sustained in a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at St Andrews.

Although manager Steve Bruce’s son Alex and on-loan Czech defender Martin Latka have performed well for the Blues, there is no substitute for experience. In the must-win home game against Sunderland, Upson’s presence would be crucial.

But he said: “I couldn’t honestly answer whether or not I am going to play. I am optimistic I will be involved as I did some running yesterday and I need to see how it reacts.”