Bentley poised for Blues bow

Birmingham newcomer David Bentley is included in the squad for the Barclays Premier League derby clash with Aston Villa at St Andrew’s on Sunday after signing on loan from Tottenham for the remainder of the season.

Blues will be without central defender Scott Dann who suffered a torn hamstring during the midweek Carling Cup semi-final setback at West Ham. Manager Alex McLeish may switch Liam Ridgewell from left-back into the heart of the defence or draft in Martin Jiranek as a straight swap for Dann.

Midfielder Lee Bowyer is available after completing a three-game ban.

Provisional squad: Foster, Carr, Johnson, Ridgewell, Jiranek, Murphy, Larsson, Bentley, Ferguson, Bowyer, Gardner, Fahey, Hleb, Jerome, Zigic, Derbyshire, Phillips, Taylor, Mutch, Parnaby, Michel.