Striking boost for Blues

Birmingham strikers Cameron Jerome and James McFadden have been passed fit for the derby clash at Aston Villa on Sunday.

Jerome, City’s leading scorer with 10 goals, has shaken off a back problem which has troubled him in recent weeks.

McFadden was substituted with a groin strain during the goalless home draw with Hull last weekend but has recovered and resumed training.

Birmingham (provisional squad): Hart, Carr, Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell, Gardner, Ferguson, Bowyer, Fahey, Jerome, McFadden, Larsson, Phillips, Taylor, Benitez, Michel, Parnaby, Vignal.