Birmingham vs Cardiff (team news)

Cardiff City travel to Birmingham with few selection issues ahead of the crucial Championship game. Goalkeeper Neil Alexander is fit after ending his 96 successive games with a virus, he should replace David Forde.

The Bluebirds will be without Skipper Darren Purse who has failed to recover in time following a month long lay off with a slipped disc in his back. Glenn Loovens and Roger Johnson will for the centre-back pairing.

Simon Walton returns from suspension but may struggle to retain his place with Scimeca now back from injury. Walton could come onto the bench in place of Willo Flood but is by no means certain of his place.

Kerrea Gilbert is also now fully fit and started the midweek FAW Premier Cup game to gain match fitness. Either he, or Kevin McNaughton will fill the right-back role.


Birmingham City will be without centre-back Radhi Jaidi for the game, the Tunisian suspended meaning that Stephen Kelly will again feature at right-back against an in-form Peter Whittingham.

Damien Johnson (hamstring) and striker Mikael Forssell (knee) have both failed to recover in time.

Ex-Cardiff City forward Cameron Jerome will probably have to be content with a place on the bench against his old club, with Bendtner and Vine starting in a formidable looking frontline.