No new worries for Birmingham

Alex McLeish has no fresh major injury problems as Birmingham return to Newcastle for the first time since last season’s 5-1 win in the FA Cup.

Gary McSheffrey has a minor hip injury suffered against Portsmouth a fortnight ago but will be available, while Garry O’Connor confirmed his fitness after a recent groin problem by playing 90 minutes for the reserves.

New Blues boss McLeish is unlikely to involve skipper Damien Johnson despite the Northern Ireland international playing two full reserve games after his long term hamstring setbacks.

Birmingham (from): Taylor, Kingson, Doyle, Kelly, Ridgewell, Djourou, Schmitz, Sadler, Queudrue, Larsson, Muamba, Nafti, McSheffrey, Kapo, O’Connor, Forssell, Jerome, Johnson, Palacios.