Melchiot returns for Blues

Birmingham defender Mario Melchiot has recovered from a thigh injury in time for the meeting with Steve McClaren’s side.

The former Chelsea defender missed the victories over Aston Villa and West Brom but has been one of Blues best players in the first half of the season and will be a strong contender for an instant recall.

City boss Steve Bruce will only have two fit strikers in Clinton Morrison and Emile Heskey at his disposal as Dwight Yorke is side-lined with a hamstring injury.

Summer signing Muzzy Izzet is still recuperating after undergoing a knee operation which will keep him out until the New Year.

Team (from): Taylor, Melchiot, Tebily, Cunningham, Upson, Lazaridis, Johnson, Savage, Carter, Dunn, Heskey, Morrison, Vaesen, Clemence, Clapham, Anderton, Gray.