Alexander Hleb set for Blues return

Birmingham can call on-loan midfielder Alexander Hleb for the first time in two months at Blackburn.

Hleb has been out since suffering a knee injury in the FA Cup tie with Sheffield Wednesday on February 19, which forced him to miss the Carling Cup final win over his former club Arsenal the following week.

The Barcelona loanee has sat out another five games since but has been given the green light to return for Blues in tomorrow's match at Ewood Park.

And manager Alex McLeish believes the 29-year-old Belarus international could make all the difference in the club's fight for survival in the Premier League.

He said: "Alex is a terrific player and he's got the ability to make a difference and be a game-breaker, game-changer if you like.

"It's good to welcome players back and have them in the fold and it's a selection problem for me - but it's one I'd rather have.

"He was excellent in that cup game against Sheffield Wednesday and that's sadly when he got the injury. Alex is frustrated at how things have gone because of injuries. I know that he is very keen to steer us up the table.

"Alex is at a good level again in terms of his knee. He has been out for a few weeks but is at a good stage fitness-wise now.

"He had an injection in his knee at the beginning of last week. He has been running well."