Pardew faces Noble puzzler

Manager Alan Pardew must decide whether to continue with Mark Noble in the centre of West Ham’s midfield for Monday night’s clash with Birmingham.

The Hammers have high hopes for Noble, who impressed Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson last weekend, but Pardew is anxious to manage the teenager’s development correctly.

If Noble is rested for the St Andrews trip, Pardew could ask Christian Dailly to fill in alongside Hayden Mullins.

Nigel Reo-Coker (ankle) is still about a month away from a return but West Ham have no fresh injury concerns following last Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

Provisional squad: Carroll, Hislop, Repka, Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Konchesky, Benayoun, Noble, Dailly, Newton, Mullins, Etherington, Sheringham, Harewood, Zamora, Bellion, Aliadiere, Bywater.