Upson in line for return
17 Nov 2006 - 13:21:48
Injury-plagued Birmingham City defender Matthew Upson is poised to make his first appearance in seven months in Saturday's derby with Wolves.
The former England defender has been sidelined since rupturing an Achilles tendon in February, but has been named in the squad for the visit of Wolves.
"Matty is fit and available for selection after coming through two reserve games which is terrific news," revealed Blues boss Steve Bruce.
However, the Birmingham manager has admitted that Upson's days at St Andrew's could be numbered as the 27-year-old has yet to sign a contract extension.
"I've got to be realistic," he continued. "We offered him a contract a year ago. It's his perogative that he didn't want to sign a new contract.
"He's got 18 months left and I've got to be doing my job and protect the club. There's no way anyone wants to let an asset like that drift out of contract and walk away on a Bosman."