Blues boss welcomes new assistant

Birmingham boss Chris Hughton admitted the appointment of Colin Calderwood as his assistant has given the club a boost ahead of the trip to Blackpool.

Former Forest and Northampton boss Calderwood was Hughton's No 2 when he successfully led Newcastle to promotion from the Championship in 2009-10. He left his post as boss at Scottish outfit Hibernian last week.

And Hughton believes the ex-Villa defender will quickly prove to become a real asset to Blues as the two of them prepare for the trip to Bloomfield Road tomorrow.

The manager said: "There's plenty of work to do, particularly when you have a lot of games. The better staff you can get the better for you.

"Colin welcomed the opportunity. It's not just working with myself but the group of lads we have got. He knows the standing of this football club, the name that we have.

"It's an opportunity to get very much into the players and work for a club of this standing.

"Colin has a very good reputation as a coach and, of course, a manager and I'm quite sure it wouldn't have been too long before there had been other offers for his services.

"That's testament to what this club has to offer, the fact he chose to come here. When you bring in an additional member of staff it's about us being able to do more.

"He's coached and managed and had a good knowledge of the game so we'll feel the benefit quickly."

Hibs today appointed Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon as Calderwood's replacement at Easter Road.

Hughton confirmed that midfielder Morgaro Gomis, who has been out with a groin injury, has returned to training and will have a late fitness test ahead of the trip to Blackpool.

The Blues boss said: "We've got a few knocks and bruises but no fresh injuries from Tuesday. Morgaro Gomis is very close and he's trained with the team for the last few days.

"That is a plus because it means he's a lot closer. I have a decision to make."