Blues boss' worst-ever injury crisis

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is facing the worst injury crisis of his time at St Andrew's with 11 players possibly out of the FA Cup tie against Bolton.

The Blues boss is definitely without David Bentley, who limped off with a groin strain against Everton on Wednesday, joining Stephen Carr, Alexander Hleb, James McFadden, Scott Dann and Enric Valles on the sidelines.

McLeish also has doubts over Barry Ferguson, Lee Bowyer, Keith Fahey and Liam Ridgewell.

And Craig Gardner is touch and go, after missing the last two games with a thigh injury, although the manager has not given up hope the midfielder will make the game tomorrow.

The likes of Kevin Phillips, Matt Derbyshire, Stuart Parnaby and David Murphy are all set to be drafted in, along with youngster Nathan Redmond, while Jordon Mutch is set to continue in the team.

A nightmare injury run has blighted Blues' preparations for the all-Premier League sixth round tie, with a place in the semi-final the incentive for the Carling Cup winners.

But McLeish does have rising star Jean Beausejour fit and firing, with the Chile international having scored three goals in his last four games - form that has delighted the Blues boss.

He said: "Jean is starting to settle in and is showing his versatility. He can play different positions across the front line. I am sure he can be a big asset to this club when he has his confidence at full level.

"I think he has got more to offer us. He is certainly heading in the right direction. I'm hoping that we're going to see the very best of him between now and the end of the season.

"We have not got any time to waste and wait for next season."