Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is ready to start club record signing Christian Benitez for the first time at Southampton.

The Ecuador international is set to line up at St Mary’s tonight in the Carling Cup against the League One club, after sub appearances in the three Premier League games so far.

McLeish now believes his big summer signing from Mexican outfit Santos Laguna is fit enough for 90 minutes, with Saturday’s tough away trip to Tottenham looming on the horizon.

The Blues boss said: “Benitez is still an unknown quantity, coming in from South America, but he is looking a real prospect.

“The crowd were excited by his introduction against Stoke on Saturday. That is another 30 minutes under his belt, so he will play at Southampton and is probably going to be ready to start the game.”

Blues will check on the fitness of full-back Gregory Vignal (hip) and striker Cameron Jerome (ankle), who both missed Saturday’s goalless draw.