Spector nears return for Blues
Jonathan Spector is back for Birmingham after the defender returned to full training for the first time since October.
Spector has been sidelined with a torn thigh muscle and while Boxing Day's visit of Derby may come too soon he will be soon be available for boss Gary Rowett.
Gavin Gunning and Matt Smith (both knee) are still long-term absentees for Blues.
Will Packwood is also sidelined with a groin injury he picked up on loan at Colchester.
Derby head into one of the busiest times of the season with doubts over several players.
Central midfielders Craig Bryson and Jeff Hendrick, full-back Cyrus Christie and forward Johnny Russell have all been receiving treatment following the 2-2 draw with Norwich. None of the quartet have trained this week, with Bryson and Hendrick major concerns ahead of Boxing Day with calf and ankle injuries respectively.
The Rams are already without centre-halves Jake Buxton and Zak Whitbread, along with forward Jamie Ward. Buxton completes a two-match suspension while Whitbread (back and hamstring) and Ward (thigh) remain sidelines through injury.
Some good news for Derby head coach Steve McClaren sees John Eustace return to the squad. The holding midfielder has missed the last three games with an abductor problem.
Source: PA
