Taylor set for Premier League return

Birmingham goalkeeper Maik Taylor has been told to be ready for his Premier League comeback this Sunday after impressing in the reserves.

The 38-year-old is poised for his first senior appearance since November against Manchester City at the weekend, with No 1 Joe Hart ineligible to play against his parent club under the terms of his season-long loan.

Taylor conceded a controversial late goal as Blues reserves went down 1-0 to Chelsea last night, but did enough to convince reserve team boss Malky Thomson of his worth.

Thomson said: "He pulled off some great saves, he commanded his area and organised those around about him well.

"He's come through these games and he's ready for Sunday."

Lee Carsley also returned to action last night, after being out since early January with an ankle injury sustained in an FA Cup game at Nottingham Forest.

A strong side had Michel harshly dismissed while Robin Shroot insisted he cleared the shot awarded as a goal before it crossed the goal-line.

Thomson added: "Robin thought he'd cleared it off the line, so it was disappointing to lose to a dubious decision."