Carsley set for Blues exit

Lee Carsley will leave Birmingham at the end of the season.

The midfielder has spent two years at St Andrew’s but has now decided to look for new challenges.

Carsley has been a regular in the Birmingham side since moving to his home-town club from Everton in 2008.

“I would like to announce that I will be leaving Birmingham City Football Club at the end of this season,” said the 36-year-old in a statement.

``I came to the club to help them back into the Premiership and then to stay there,'' he added.

“I have had two fantastic years at the Blues and I would like to thank the management and the fans for all their support.

“I will now look to help another club achieve success and I relish another challenge.”

Carsley played a key part in Birmingham’s promotion campaign last season, helping them to runners-up spot in the Coca-Cola Championship, and was voted players’ player of the year.

The former Republic of Ireland international was also named team captain last year.

However, he has struggled with an ankle injury this season which has restricted him to just a handful of Barclays Premier League appearances.