Izzet back for Birmingham

Turkey international Muzzy Izzet returns from a hamstring injury as beleaguered Birmingham manager Steve Bruce makes five changes for his side’s Boxing Day clash at Tottenham.

Birmingham lost seven of their last nine Barclays Premiership games - including a 4-1 thumping at Manchester City Bruce described as an embarrassment - and sit second from bottom with just 11 points from 16 games before today.

Izzet comes into the midfield for Nicky Butt while Kenny Cunningham, Stan Lazaridis, Neil Kilkenny and Julian Gray all return as Birmingham, in desperate need of some Christmas cheer as they battle against relegation, chase their first Premiership win at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham boss Martin Jol, who is without injured midfield pair Teemu Tainio and Andy Reid, recalls winger Aaron Lennon to his side after the England Under-21 international recovered from a hamstring strain.

Jermain Defoe passed a late fitness test on an ankle injury to take his now customary place on the bench as Mido once again partners Robbie Keane up front.