Benitez set to start against Villa

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is poised to hand a first Barclays Premier League start to striker Christian Benitez in Sunday’s Second City derby with Aston Villa at St Andrew’s.

Benitez, signed on an initial season-long loan from Santos Laguna, has impressed as a substitute during the opening phase of the season.

The Ecuador international has gradually been gaining full fitness after undergoing shoulder surgery at the beginning of the summer.

And McLeish is intimating he will promote him to the first XI for the clash with Martin O’Neill’s side.

The former Scotland boss said: “I’ve felt in recent weeks that Christian was more effective as an impact player.

“But that may change in a week’s time (against Villa). If I can’t play him at home, then I will never play him.

“I am pleased with his introduction so far and we have worked hard on his fitness. When he came here, he was behind the rest – along with Giovanny Espinoza – in fitness terms.

“Christian is at a good level now and looking dangerous and I think he is going to be a great acquisition to the club.”

McLeish will check on Benitez’s physical condition when he comes back from a World Cup double header with his country before making a final decision.

He was in action in Colombia at the weekend and Ecuador will tackle Bolivia in midweek.