Month's first start for Viduka

Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka was handed his first start for a month with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink out with a virus.

Viduka, whose last start was in the 4-0 home defeat to Aston Villa after which he was embroiled in a row with fans in the car park, was the only change to the Boro side following the 2-0 win at West Brom last Sunday.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce made four changes to his team after the 1-0 St Andrews win over Sunderland a week ago as injuries again hit hard.

Muzzy Izzet, Chris Sutton and Martin Latka have joined the casualty list this week, but at least Bruce was able to recall fit-again David Dunn.

Bruce’s son Alex took over from Latka in defence, with emerging youngster Neil Kilkenny also brought in, along with Nicky Butt as Bruce opted for one in attack, dropping Jiri Jarosik to the bench.

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Riggott, Southgate, Queudrue, Parnaby, Cattermole, Boateng, Mendieta, Pogatetz, Yakubu, Viduka. Subs: Jones, Ehiogu, Doriva, Maccarone, Davies.

Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Melchiot, Bruce, Martin Taylor, Gray, Pennant, Butt, Kilkenny, Johnson, Dunn, Heskey. Subs: Vaesen, Forssell, Jarosik, Tebily, Campbell.

Referee: G Poll (Hertfordshire)