Bruce opts for Fossell and Sutton

Birmingham striker Emile Heskey was ruled out through suspension so Blues boss Steve Bruce opted for an attack led by Mikael Forssell and Chris Sutton against West Ham at Upton Park.

Dudley Campbell had to settle for a place on the bench but defender Martin Latka made the starting line-up as did captain Kenny Cunningham, who shook off a calf strain to play.

Shaka Hislop continued in goal and defender Danny Gabbidon was declared fit again after a shin problem.

Veteran striker Teddy Sheringham and in-form Bobby Zamora were among the substitutes for the Hammers.

West Ham: Hislop, Scaloni, Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Konchesky, Benayoun, Mullins, Reo-Coker, Etherington, Ashton, Harewood. Subs: Bywater, Dailly, Sheringham, Katan, Zamora.

Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Melchiot, Cunningham, Bruce, Gray, Pennant, Latka, Clemence, Jarosik, Sutton, Forssell. Subs: Vaesen, Clapham, Campbell, Painter, Birley.

Referee: D Gallagher (Oxfordshire)