Cunningham: We do not feel let down by Robbie

Birmingham midfielder Stephen Clemence is pleading for the Robbie Savage transfer saga not to “turn too nasty”.

Savage is set to play for the reserves against Newcastle at Solihull tonight after being axed for Tuesday’s Barclays Premiership clash with Bolton following his decision to ask for a move.

Skipper and Republic of Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham insisted the players do not feel let down by Savage’s actions which he claims are a regular occurrence in football.

He said: “Do the players feel let down? No. It happens at every football club every year and I don’t think it is too much of an emotive issue.

“Obviously it is for Robbie. It is a big decision for him and the club. For the rest of the players, it’s part and parcel of the game.

“There are a high turnover of players at every club and this is no different. Ultimately the issue will be solved over the coming weeks and the sooner the better.”

Manager Steve Bruce is prepared to take a hard-line stance with Savage and insisted Blues would “not be bullied” into selling him to Blackburn who have already had two bids rejected.

And the club’s co-owner David Sullivan has accused Savage of being “greedy” and is sceptical about his desire to move nearer to his ill parents in Wrexham.

But Clemence is hoping that passions are kept under control and pleaded for Savage’s contribution to Birmingham not to be discarded.

He said: “It’s a difficult situation for everyone involved. Robbie feels he wants to move on and get nearer to his family. That’s his decision and it’s one that no-one at Birmingham is happy about. But you just hope it doesn’t turn too nasty.

“No one wants to see that because Robbie has been great here for two and a half years. It will be a shame if that all gets forgotten.”

Blackburn have bids of £2.2m (€3.1m) and £2.7m (€3.8m) turned down and have been told they have to match Birmingham’s valuation of £3.5m (€4.9m) if Savage is to be allowed to move.