Blues set to return against United

Birmingham's return to action is set to come in the televised game against leaders Manchester United.

Blues are set to end a weather-enforced two week break from games in front of the Sky Sports cameras at St Andrew's on Tuesday night, a match that is likely to go ahead.

The club are very confident that their playing surface, which had undersoil heating put in last year, will be passed and are hoping that the areas surrounding St Andrew's will thaw somewhat over the next two days.

They would have been in action today had Everton not called off their Premier League game at Goodison Park, after problems with the pipes on three of the four sides of the ground.

Manager Alex McLeish took his players, who had travelled to Merseyside on Christmas Day for the match, straight back to the West Midlands to train, while their next opponents United beat Sunderland 2-0 to stay top of the Premier League.

And the Blues boss admitted his side are dying to get back on the field.

He said: "It's frustrating after travelling up to Merseyside and putting in the correct preparation for a game we were all looking forward to.

"Due to our home game against Newcastle last weekend having been postponed due to adverse weather conditions, we have now not played for a fortnight.

"This will of course now lead to a fixture backlog and that will be a challenge but - after what this group of players have shown in terms of their attitude, dedication and professionalism - I certainly wouldn't back against them.

"We now turn our full attention to Tuesday and the visit of Manchester United."