Absentees make life tough for Bruce

Steve Bruce’s ambition to lead Birmingham to a major trophy could be wrecked ahead of tonight’s FA Cup replay against Reading with up to 15 first team squad members ruled out through injury, suspension or ineligibility.

The City chief is anxiously waiting the results of scans on Matthew Upson (groin), Muzzy Izzet (calf) and Olivier Tebily (knee) as a result of injuries picked up during Saturday’s home Barclays Premiership clash with Arsenal.