Izzet forced to quit

Birmingham midfielder Muzzy Izzet has been forced to retire due to a long-term knee injury.

The 31-year-old has a year left on his contract with the relegated West Midlands club but having failed to overcome the problem which has blighted his two-year spell at St Andrews, the former Turkey international has decided to hang up his boots with his contract cancelled by mutual consent.

Blues boss Steve Bruce told the club's website, www.bcfc.com: "Muzzy has come to the point where his knee is very, very painful and he can't fulfil what he wants to do.

"We would like to thank Muzzy for his efforts during his two years here and wish him all the very best for whatever he chooses to do in the future."

Izzet, signed from Leicester in 2004, made only 28 appearances for Birmingham having been a regular for the Foxes with more than 300 games.

He made several unsuccessful comeback attempts in the 18 months since initially suffering the injury but has been forced to call it a day.

Bruce continued: "When he signed for us from Leicester, he arrived with an exemplary appearance record and had hardly missed a game due to injury.

"But he has endured a terribly frustrating time with us and you can't help but feel for him."

Following Izzet out of St Andrews is striker Njazi Kuqi having failed to make a first-team appearance in his 18 months with the club.

The 23-year-old Finn, younger brother of Blackburn striker Shefki, has had his contract terminated by mutual consent after loan spells at Blackpool and Peterborough since his six-figure signing from FC Lahti.

Bruce has been boosted though by the impending arrival of Tottenham full-back Stephen Kelly after the 22-year-old agreed personal terms.

The Republic of Ireland international is undergoing a medical with the Coca-Cola Championship club before sealing his switch to the midlands.

Kelly made more than 40 appearances for the north-London club after joining as a trainee in 2000.

Blues targeted him as a possible replacement for Mario Melchiot who left St Andrews at the end of last season after the club had been relegated from the top flight.

Birmingham had initially moved for Kelly in January, but had a £500,000 move blocked by Spurs for the defender.

Kelly had admitted a move away from White Hart Lane may be necessary if he was to become a first-team regular after coach Martin Jol's preference for Paul Stalteri at right-back restricted the Irishman to just 10 appearances last season.

Blues will pay an undisclosed fee for Kelly who will join fellow new arrivals Cameron Jerome and Neil Danns as they look to make an immediate return to the top flight.