Carsley to leave Blues

FORMER Republic of Ireland midfielder Lee Carsley will leave Birmingham at the end of the season.

The midfielder has spent two years at St Andrew’s but has now decided to look for new challenges.

Carsley has been a regular in the Birmingham side since moving to his home-town club from Everton in 2008.

“I would like to announce that I will be leaving Birmingham City Football Club at the end of this season,” said the 36-year-old in a statement.

“I have had two fantastic years at the Blues and I would like to thank the management and the fans for all their support. I will now look to help another club achieve success and I relish another challenge.”

Carsley played a key part in Birmingham’s promotion campaign last season, helping them to runners-up spot in the Championship, and was voted players’ player of the year.

However, he has struggled with an ankle injury this season which has restricted him to just a handful of Premier League appearances.

Meanwhile Sunderland midfielder Andy Reid is targeting the start of pre-season training after undergoing surgery on a persistent calf problem.

The 27-year-old had an operation on Tuesday and is now facing a period of rehabilitation after a frustrating end to what had promised to be a good season for him.

Manager Steve Bruce said: “Andy has had a calf problem and unfortunately an operation proved to be the best way forward. All being well, he should be back in time for the start of pre-season training in July.”

Wolves midfielder Stephen Ward will miss the final two games of the season after undergoing an exploratory knee operation.

Ward underwent surgery in September but has been feeling some discomfort in the same area of his knee in recent weeks. It means he is now unlikely to join up with a Republic of Ireland training camp in Dublin next month after receiving the first call-up from his country.