Forsell doubt for Bruce

Birmingham striker Mikael Forssell has suffered another injury setback and is rated doubtful for the Boxing Day encounter at White Hart Lane.

The Finnish international, without a Barclays Premiership goal this season, has picked up a sore thigh although Blues boss Steve Bruce has not ruled him out of the entire festive programme.

Bruce is optimistic that midfielder Muzzy Izzet and full-back Mario Melchiot could be available for the December 28 meeting with Manchester United after hamstring and thigh injuries respectively.

Goalkeeper Nico Vaesen is available again after suspension and has to wait and see if he replaces Maik Taylor who earned praise from Bruce for his performance in the mid-week Carling Cup reversal by Manchester United.

Team (from): Maik Taylor, Vaesen, Johnson, Martin Taylor, Cunningham, Upson, Painter, Pennant, Dunn, Jarosik, Butt, Clemence, Heskey, Pandiani, Forssell, Clapham, Kilkenny, Lazaridis.