Nielsen boost for Norwich

Birmingham v Norwich

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce was without key defender Darren Purse for the First Division play-off final against Norwich at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

The centre-half missed out through suspension and Bruce decided to play Michael Johnson alongside Steve Vickers.

Vickers is a key player for Blues having played in the Premiership with Middlesbrough, while former Blackburn star Jeff Kenna also has top-flight experience.

Norwich were boosted by the news that David Nielsen had overcome a groin injury and played in attack with Paul McVeigh.

Manager Nigel Worthington produced a masterstroke when he paired them together following an injury to Iwan Roberts - who started on the bench - and they hit it off immediately.

The match, a 72,000 sell-out, was being played with the stadium roof closed due to the problems caused by the contrast of light and shade for TV cameras.