Cunningham ready for Horsefield reunion

Republic of Ireland international Kenny Cunningham believes former Birmingham team-mate Geoff Horsfield has played a massive part in West Brom’s revival in 2005 – and proven himself to be of Premiership quality.

Blues skipper Cunningham will lock horns with Horsfield, who has just signed a new two-year contract, in tomorrow’s lunchtime Premiership derby at The Hawthorns.

Horsfield felt the need to quit City in September 2003 after the signing of Mikael Forssell meant he was unlikely to have a major part to play in Steve Bruce’s plans.

But the former hod carrier has shown he can play at the highest level and will be looking to continue the form that saw him net both goals in last weekend’s home win over Portsmouth.

Cunningham said: “Geoff has played in the Premier League – and proved himself in the Premier League. He was one of West Brom’s key players at the tail-end of last season.

“They were in really dire straits with just a few months to go and it was Geoff and the other experienced players at the club that pulled them through that situation and kept them alive.

“Geoff is a good player to have at a football club. Of course, you need players of good technical ability but equally what players bring to the team in terms of their character is important as well.

“The input they have in the dressing room and on the training ground can be doubly important, people like Geoff and the same as well with Kevin Campbell, who has had a hugely positive effect on the West Brom. Those players are important.”

Cunningham admitted: “Geoff has done wonderfully well since he left us. Bryan Robson has brought in a couple of top strikers this year but Geoff has got the jersey at the moment and he seems to be revelling in it.

“He has started the season very well. You know exactly what you are going to get when you come up against Geoff and Kevin Campbell. They have a real physical edge to the game.

“They get in your face. They don’t make it easy for you. They try and ruffle you so it is important you keep your discipline and your composure.”