Live Commentary

Boyd hopes for first start Hull striker George Boyd is hoping to make his first start for the club in the home clash with Birmingham. Boyd, signed last week initially on loan until the end of the season, made his first appearance for the Tigers off the substitutes' bench in last weekend's heavy defeat at Bolton. Manager Steve Bruce has no new injury or suspension worries as his side look to climb back into the second automatic promotion place, and he could be boosted by the return of defenders Abdoulaye Faye and Paul McShane to the squad. McShane, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring strain, and Faye, out since the beginning of the month due to a calf injury, both returned to training on Thursday. Striker Sone Aluko is waiting to see if he requires surgery to resolve an Achilles problem and remains sidelined. The Tigers have won their last three home matches. Striker Marlon King will again miss out for Birmingham. The club's 14-goal leading scorer has been struggling with a knee injury which will once more rule him out at the KC Stadium as Blues look to continue to a fine run of form which has seen them lose just once in their last eight league games. Left-back Mitch Hancox will be assessed as he struggles with a thigh injury, with the youngster having played the full 90 minutes in last Saturday's impressive 2-0 win at Peterborough. Versatile left-sided winger Shane Ferguson comes into contention following his loan arrival from Newcastle this week, coming in as cover for Rob Hall who has returned to parent club West Ham to have a groin injury assessed and misses out.