Bruce rings in changes

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce made six changes from the side which overcame Torquay in the midweek FA Cup third round replay for the bottom-of-the-table Barclays Premiership clash with Harry Redknapp’s revamped side.

Chris Sutton was handed his home debut and there were also recalls for Emile Heskey, captain Kenny Cunningham, Damien Johnson, Muzzy Izzet and Stan Lazaridis.

Blues were looking to build on their improved home form, which had seen them collect seven points from the previous three games.

Redknapp brought in fit-again Vincent Pericard up front in place of Lomana LuaLua, who was on African Nations Cup duty, while on-loan Emmanuel Olisadebe was among the substitutes.