Key men return for Blues

Birmingham will welcome back several key players for Tuesday's Carling Cup semi-final first-leg clash with West Ham at Upton Park.Barry Ferguson, skipper Stephen Carr, Ben Foster, Roger Johnson and Liam Ridgewell were all rested for the 4-1 FA Cup win at Millwall on Saturday.Midfielder Sebastian Larsson is included in the squad despite being given permission to speak to Newcastle over a possible move.Striker Matt Derbyshire will be hoping his two goals at the New Den will bolster his chances of starting against Avram Grant's side.

Dann backs old boys to step up

Birmingham defender Scott Dann reckons last season's stars will be stepping up their game to keep the summer's new arrivals out of the side. Alex McLeish brought in seven new faces over the summer, notably three on deadline day in Alexander Hleb, Martin Jiranek and Jean Beausejour. The Blues have responded with an unbeaten start to their Premier League campaign with a win and three draws, giving them a healthy fifth place in the table at this early stage. "At the end of last season we lost quite a few players and we knew coming back this season we needed strengthening," Dann told City's official website.

"We were hoping the manager could get as much money as possible to bring in as much quality as possible and he's finally done that now to the extent that he could. "I think when any new player comes into a club it keeps you on your toes and brings out the best in you as a player and as a person. I think all the lads will be having a little look over their shoulder and thinking 'hang on a minute he's not having my place' and step up to the plate.

Beausejour Joins Blues

Jean Beausejour has joined Blues from Mexican outfit Club America. The 26-year-old Chilean winger has signed for Blues for an undisclosed fee and has put pen to paper on a three year contract at St Andrews. Jean Beausejour (Birmingham City) Information Date of birth Friday, 1st June 1984 Height 5ft 10in Place of birth Santiago Weight 13st 3lb International Chile Position Midfielder Comments Squad No. Recent Career History By Club (1999 onwards) Team Debut Apps (+ sub) Goals Yellows Reds Recent Career History By Season (1999 onwards) Season First App. Apps (+ sub) Goals Yellows Reds Appearances 0; Goals 0; Yellow cards 0; Red cards 0.

Birmingham up off for Wigan midfielder N'Zogbia

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has confirmed the club have made an improved bid for Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia. The Scot is a long-time admirer of the 24-year-old French international, who seems destined for a move from the DW Stadium after his attitude was questioned by Latics boss Roberto Martinez. McLeish would not be drawn on the size of the offer, although Blues have already had an £8million offer rejected, and says he is now waiting on a response from their Premier League rivals. McLeish said: "We have made another bid for Charles and we wait to see if it's successful or not."

He added: "We're awaiting Wigan's response. At the same time we're in the hands of the gods in terms of the other offers. If there are other clubs in for him, then we have to wait and see. "But we've tried - and we've tried our best. The board have worked hard to make these kind of things happen." McLeish admitted N'Zogbia is just one of several targets - but is not considering any of them a done deal. He added: "There are a few other players. Again, it's difficult getting them over the line. That's going to be the hardest part.

"The deadline comes on Tuesday at 5pm and I'm sure it will be a mad scramble again. Getting players in place is going to be the most difficult thing. "I don't have to name my 25-man squad until after the window closes, so that will be dictated by players who arrive or don't arrive."

Carsley makes Sky Blues return

Coventry City manager Aidy Boothroyd has completed the free transfer signing of stalwart midfielder Lee Carsley on a one-year deal. The 36-year-old returns to the Sky Blues eight years after parting ways to join Everton, later completing a switch to hometown club Birmingham in 2008. He was released by Alex McLeish at the end of last season and now joins Gary McSheffrey in returning to Coventry from St Andrew's. Manager Aidy Boothroyd said: "Lee has a track record as a winner. He is a leader and has played at the highest level and knows what is required to win on a regular basis. "Any good team needs a balance of talent, experience, physical presence, pace and, obviously, footballing ability. I want Lee to be the glue that binds the team together because he has all of those."

McLeish- OConnor still has work to do

Boss Alex McLeish has stressed Garry O'Connor still faces a battle to get back into first-team contention despite seeing the striker grab a late winner in Birmingham's 3-2 win over a Hong Kong XI.O'Connor was sidelined for the majority of last season following a double hip operation but was nevertheless handed a new six-month deal with an option of a further six.The 27-year-old Scot was introduced during the second-half of the pre-season friendly - Birmingham's first of their three-match Far East tour - at Hong Kong Stadium and netted his side's third goal two minutes from the end when he sidefooted home Nikola Zigic's lay-off.

McLeish hopes that O'Connor can potentially have a big part to play this term provided he can regain his former sharpness."Garry O'Connor has a little bit to go," said the Scot. "He's come back from career-threatening injuries, he's had two hip injuries, two operations at the same time which is quite unheard of for footballers, so he has got a big battle ahead of him."We decided to be honourable and give Garry six months to prove that he is over the injuries and when you see the way he can finish - Garry O'Connor's a very, very good finisher with both feet and he's decent in the air - if he can get opportunities like that, then of course he can be an asset to us."

McLeish keen to complete summer spending

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish admits he is anxious to complete his summer transfer business as soon as possible to avoid a deadline-day scramble to strengthen his squad.City have already signed goalkeeper Ben Foster and Serbia striker Nikola Vidic as well as agreeing new contracts with a number of existing first-team players but McLeish is keen to add to a group that took Blues to ninth place last season on their return to the Premier League.The Scot is looking specifically at acquiring at least another striker and a left-back.

Birmingham have been linked with a number of forwards as well as reportedly having a £1.25million bid turned down by Crystal Palace for defender Nathaniel Clyne.And McLeish, currently in Hong Kong for Birmingham's three-match tour of the region and China, revealed he has discussed potential targets with president Carson Yeung and was eager to move quickly."We've had a chat me and Carson last night, things are moving forward, we're trying to bring new players for the new season," he said. "The market has slowed up a little bit and I don't see any other clubs doing too much business either, I think people are waiting, being patient."As long as I don't go into August scrambling for players then we should be okay. Carson has pledged his support in terms of bringing other players, so no problem."

McLeish planning squad overhaul

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is set to reshape his squad in the summer with "significant" additions and "eight or nine players likely to leave" - according to the club's chief executive Michael Dunford.McLeish only managed to bring in playmaker Michel from Sporting Gijon and midfielder Craig Gardner from Aston Villa during the January transfer window.But Dunford predicts the former Scotland boss will be busy with ins and outs from St Andrew's when the window reopens in four months' time.He said: "I expect it to be quite a busy summer. We will gear ourselves up for what I'm sure will be significant transfer movement in the summer."There are also eight or nine players likely to be leaving the club which means from a numerical point of view, we need new players of quality to supplement the ones we have got as well."

Hart happy to reprise City loan

Goalkeeper Joe Hart has revealed he would be the open to the idea of returning to Birmingham City on loan next season.

Hart, 22, has been in impressive form since joining the Blues on a season-long loan last summer from Manchester City.

The former England Under-21 keeper was allowed to leave Eastlands on a temporary basis following big-spending City's acquisition of Shay Given 12 months ago.

Blues boss Alex McLeish recently failed with an approach to sign Hart on a permanent basis, but the player himself has now revealed that he could be tempted to return to St Andrew's on loan next term should he remain behind Given in the City pecking order.

"My situation is out there on the pitch," he told the Birmingham Mail.

"That's all I've come to Birmingham to do, play football here until the end of the season. Whatever happens, happens.

"Would I come back for another season? I'm not going to rule anything out. It's exciting stuff and it's nice to be wanted, obviously after what I had last year.

"Shay Given is a great goalie. I think him, Brad Friedel, David James and Edwin van der Sar have been the best in the Premier League. They are the people I look up to. I can't see it changing for a while.

"It's up to Manchester City what they do, but I don't look too far in the future."

City reject Birmingham Hart bid

Birmingham have failed with an approach to Manchester City to sign on-loan goalkeeper Joe Hart on a permanent basis.

The 22-year-old shot-stopper has taken the plaudits following his form since joining the Blues on a season-long loan from City in August.

First-team opportunities at the big-spending Eastlands club had dried up following their signing of Shay Given from Newcastle United 12 months ago.

Hart is being mentioned as possible member of England's World Cup squad for South Africa and McLeish approached City over retaining the keeper on a full-time basis.

However, he is still held in high esteem by City and they have no intention of letting the former Shrewsbury Town youngster move on during the transfer window.

"City will take Joe Hart back at the end of the season," McLeish told The Guardian.

"There is no chance of us signing him in January. We asked the question and they said that won't happen. We never had an option from City to buy him.

"He has the comfort of knowing City really want him and he is part of their future."

However, McLeish is not giving up hope of being able to re-sign Hart for next season.

He added: "Joe Hart remains a big part of the future. But you couldn't rule out that Joe stays with us in the summer.

"They said he was going out for experience to improve and he has improved.

"It doesn't preclude him from coming back and we can negotiate with City for another year."

Everton 1-1 Birmingham City

Midfielder Sebastian Larsson's first-half strike ensured Birmingham City's unbeaten run was extended to eight games in a backs-to-the-wall 1-1 draw with Everton.

Alex McLeish's troops looked to be heading to defeat after the home side were rewarded for a flying start by Russian Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's early strike. However, the Blues weathered a first-half onslaught at Goodison Park equalising through Larsson in the 22nd minute, before battling treacherous weather conditions to hold on after the break.

Birmingham had barely settled before finding themselves one down in the fifth minute when midfielder Bilyaletdinov fired home following striker Louis Saha's flick on.

Saha thought he had gone from provider to scorer moments later lashing home after being put through by Tim Cahill - however the former Manchester United frontman was deemed to be offside. Everton were threatening to run riot at Goodison Park and former Millwall midfielder Cahill had a glorious chance in the 11th minute but his first-time shot sailed narrowly over.

Disaster struck for the Toffees after 22 minutes when completely against the run of play Ecuadorian Christian Benitez found space in the hosts box and picked out Larsson, who calmly slotted home.

Birmingham gradually started to grab a foothold on the game at, but still the Toffees looked more dangerous after the interval, with Cahill twice going close as the rain poured.

Firstly the Australia international was denied at the near post by Birmingham's Roger Johnson following Leighton Baines' teasing cross.

Then, after Baines and Marouane Fellaini combined to set up Cahill, again his neat flick was cleared away by the ever-present Johnson at the back.

Nothing would fall for Everton and after Birmingham stuck all eleven men behind the ball Saha volleyed wide and headed a free-kick over.

The Toffees were given four minutes of added time to find the net, but failed to do so as the visitors got the point their resolute display deserved.

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Blues boss set to pick same XI

Veteran midfielder Lee Carsley reported to training with a stiff back on Sunday but it is not expected to keep him out of contention against Sam Allardyce's team.
McLeish is again likely to field an unchanged line-up as City look to extend an unbeaten run of seven matches from which they have collected 17 points.
David Murphy, Garry O'Connor, Martin Taylor and Teemu Tainio remain long-term injury absentees.
The match kicks off at 8pm.
Birmingham (from): Hart, Carr, Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell, Larsson, Ferguson, Bowyer, McFadden, Jerome, Benitez, Maik Taylor, Phillips, Fahey, McSheffrey, O'Shea, Carsley, Vignal.

Phillips ready for Blues return

The veteran striker has been sidelined for the past fortnight and will provide back-up for first-choice strikers Cameron Jerome and Christian Benitez.
However, fellow forward Garry O'Connor and on-loan Sunderland midfielder Teemu Tainio remain long-term absentees after hip and knee operations respectively.
Other than that, Blues manager Alex McLeish has no fresh injury problems as his side look to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches.
Blues (from): Hart, Maik Taylor, Carr, Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell, Larsson, Ferguson, Bowyer, McFadden, Jerome, Benitez, Fahey, McSheffrey, Queudrue, O'Shea, Carsley, Vignal, Phillips.

McLeish praises Blues squad

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish was delighted after seeing his side win 3-2 at Wigan Athletic to move into the top half of the Premier League table.

The Blues roared back from a goal down to take the points at the DW Stadium thanks to two goals from Sebastian Larsson and one from Christian Benitez.

Afterwards, McLeish commented: "We're showing we belong in Premier League.

"When I was grumpy earlier in the season about losing points from certain games, I felt then we didn't look out of place.

"Now we are getting our rewards for those early performances and missed points, although we've had to learn the hard way in certain cases.

"But we know nothing has been achieved yet. I've been in the game too long for that.

"However, this should give the players massive confidence and they are entitled to feel confident because they've earned it.

"Since the start of the season they have been resilient, bounced back from setbacks in any given game and they've got their rewards."

McGeady interested in England

Celtic star Aiden McGeady has admitted he is flattered to be linked with a move to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international has been mentioned as a possible transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.

But despite claiming he is now happy at Celtic Park, the winger has admitted he would like to play in the English top-flight.

"I'm 23 and every player has aspirations to play at the top level and I won't deny that I feel that way too," McGeady told the Daily Record.

"But things are starting to go a bit better here than they were before. I'm happy at Celtic.

"There was a point a few months back when I probably wasn't, but I'm starting to get back to enjoying it the way I did before. That's down to the change of style in the football we're being asked to play.

"If a team comes in with a bid then I'm still under contract until 2013.

"Like I say, though, everyone wants to play in England or abroad. I won't deny I have those ambitions.

"However, it's not up to me whether or not I go at the moment.

"Of course, I'm aware of the transfer talk when people are talking about me and I'm very flattered by it but I don't take too much notice.

"If a bid comes in and the club accepts it then that is not down to me."

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Blues win delights McLeish

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish hailed his side's character after they had secured their fourth Premier League victory of the campaign by beating Fulham 1-0 at St Andrew's.

Former Leeds United and West Ham midfielder Lee Bowyer scored the all-important goal in the 16th minute as the Blues moved four points clear of the bottom three and level with Roy Hodgson's Cottagers team.

McLeish said: "The goal was the one bit of class we produced in the game. It was trademark Lee Bowyer. It was a late run onto a great pass and the execution was world-class.

"When Lee first came here, I got some people raising their eyebrows saying his legs had gone and he wasn't the same player.

"But he's proved a lot of people wrong. He can run all day, has class about him, and is a real leader.

"Today was an indication of the type of player we've got here, people who are prepared to put themselves on the line.

"On many occasions you see players turning their back on the ball, but the guys here throw everything into the challenge.

"We don't want to be defending desperately every week but it's comforting for me to see we've got players who can do that sort of thing. It's all part of the make up of a Premier League team."

Birmingham City vs Fulham.. Results 1-0

A clever goal from Lee Bowyer earned Birmingham victory over Fulham as Alex McLeish's men extended their unbeaten run to four matches.Bowyer latched on to James McFadden's lofted pass before cushioning the ball past Mark Schwarzer for his fourth goal of the season.
Fulham dominated the second half and almost levelled when Clint Dempsey's header was tipped over by Joe Hart.
But Birmingham held firm to inflict Fulham's first loss in six games.

Birmingham's boss said:
"I'm delighted because we played a tough game today.

"Sometimes it wasn't too pretty. We've played better than that and lost games but we showed we can win a match with strength and resilience.

"As long as they keep their feet on the ground and show the same level of resilience and application we can have a good season.

Blues meet police over accounts

The new owners of Birmingham City FC have contacted police over their concerns about possible irregularities in the Premier League club's accounts.

West Midlands Police said officers from its economic crime team met club bosses yesterday to discuss "a number of allegations put forward by the club".

It said officers were considering if there were grounds for an inquiry.

Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung took over the club last month from David and Ralph Gold and David Sullivan.

The previous owners were unavailable for comment.

West Midlands Police said in a statement: "Following the meeting, officers are now assessing a number of allegations that have been put forward by Birmingham City FC to try and determine whether there are any grounds for a formal police inquiry.

"The force would stress that at this early stage this is not a criminal investigation, merely a preliminary assessment of some information supplied by the club."

A Birmingham FC spokesman confirmed the club had met with police, adding: "As the matter is now in the hands of the police it is not suitable to comment further about this."