Birmingham city have been posted by the news that Alexander Hleb is back from injury. The 29-year-old, who is currently on a season-long loan from Barcelona, has not featured since 27 November.

“I don’t think he had a full pre-season which is what you definitely need as a player,” said manager Alex McLeish.

“Alex is playing catch-up in terms of fitness but we’ve been encouraged by the work he has put in this last week. He is training well.”

Birmingham have been linked with bids for Franco di Santo and Albert Riera in the January transfer window.