Late tests for Blues duo

Birmingham will give late fitness tests to right-back Stephen Kelly and midfielder Mehdi Nafti before finalising the team for tomorrow’s crucial showdown with relegation rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Kelly, who is an ever present this season, has a knee problem while Nafti is battling to shake off a thigh strain.

Former Fulham defender Frank Queudrue is on standby to take over from Kelly.

Club captain Damien Johnson is available to return in midfield after completing the three-match ban he picked up after being sent off at Wigan last month.

Birmingham, who could be relegated if they lose, have not won an away game since Alex McLeish’s first match in charge at Tottenham in December.

Provisional squad: Taylor, Kelly, Ridgewell, Jaidi, Murphy, Larsson, Muamba, Nafti, Johnson, Kapo, Forssell, McFadden, O’Connor, Zarate, Jerome, Queudrue, McSheffrey, Doyle.