Gray returns for Premiership strugglers

Birmingham midfielder Julian Gray returned to the starting line-up for the first time since early March for the strugglers’ crunch Premiership encounter with European hopefuls Blackburn at St Andrews.

Gray has missed eight games with an ankle problem but he proved his fitness during a 45-minute run-out for the reserves on Tuesday and came into the side in place of calf injury victim David Dunn.

It was the only change made by Birmingham boss Steve Bruce from the side beaten 3-1 by Aston Villa in Sunday’s derby at Villa Park.

Blackburn included former Blues midfielder Robbie Savage in their line-up as they made two changes from the side beaten at home by Liverpool – captain Andy Todd and midfielder Brett Emerton earning recalls at the expense of Michael Gray and Paul Dickov.