Two changes for Rovers

Rovers boss Mark Hughes made two changes to his side, with a gentlemen’s agreement ensuring there was no Robbie Savage in the Blackburn line-up due to concerns regarding safety following his controversial transfer-window move from Birmingham.

Garry Flitcroft returned in place of Savage, while a late knock for Dominic Matteo gave Nils-Eric Johansson his first start since March 19.

As for Birmingham, boss Steve Bruce opted for an unchanged side following last week’s heartening 1-1 draw against Champions League chasers Everton.

Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Melchiot, Cunningham, Upson, Lazaridis, Pennant, Johnson, Nafti, Anderton, Heskey, Pandiani. Subs: Blake, Martin Taylor, Vaesen, Morrison, Clemence.

Blackburn: Friedel, Neill, Todd, Nelsen, Johansson, Emerton, Reid, Mokoena, Flitcroft, Pedersen, Stead. Subs: Short, Tugay, Enckelman, Gallagher, Thompson.

Referee: B Knight (Kent)