Savage to give Speed his special thank-you
Savage called Speed for advice after coming in for harsh treatment from fans and club officials following his decision to hand in a transfer request.
The 30-year-old was banned from playing or training with the first team and became a hate figure to Birmingham fans, who abused him at reserve-team matches and even in the street.
Savage said: “Gary went through the same thing at Everton and he told me to keep my head down and not say anything and I took his advice.
“My last outing was against Solihull Borough in front of 1,200 people with banners everywhere calling me everything under the sun, so I am looking forward to hopefully running out against Bolton.
“I respect Gary greatly, he is a fantastic player and we have great battles against each other every time we play. We talk to each other all the way through the game and I’m sure, if selected, that I will be steaming into him in the first minute!”
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is looking for the same type of performance that earned Rovers victory over Bolton last month.
He said: “We played very well against Bolton at the Reebok and if we can replicate that we will go very close to winning the game.
“It’s always a tough game against them but we withstood the challenges they set us and we will have to do it again at Ewood. We were a little bit down on our performance level against Cardiff so we will have to play better than that.”
Savage should be fit enough to make his debut but Paul Dickov and Tugay are suspended and Barry Ferguson doubtful due to injury and his impending departure. Jay Bothroyd could return from a thigh injury while New Zealand skipper Ryan Nelsen is also available after missing the FA Cup win over Cardiff in midweek.
David Thompson, who has been watched by Everton boss David Moyes as a possible replacement for Thomas Gravesen, is expected to partner Savage in central midfield.
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