Injuries force McLeish's hand

Birmingham’s crippling injury list means manager Alex McLeish will call upon every fit and able first-team player at his disposal for tonight’s Carling Cup third-round clash against Sunderland.

The majority of top-flight managers, and indeed some from the Coca-Cola Championship, commonly use the League Cup to rotate squads, hand star names a much-needed break and blood fresh talent, while at the same time giving the competition the respect it deserves.