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Beattie banned for Blues clash Sheffield United striker James Beattie's chances of a first start since returning to the club are on hold as he misses the FA Cup clash with Birmingham through suspension. Beattie, in his second spell with the Blades, was sent off for violent conduct in last week's defeat at Charlton and will sit out the first of a three-match ban. He has made seven appearances off the bench for Danny Wilson's side. Beattie's place among the substitutes could go to winger Ryan Flynn, who has missed the last three games due to illness, while Wilson has no other new injury or suspension problems. Wilson is unlikely to make too many, if any, changes to his line-up after the Blades lost only their second game in 14 matches in all competitions at Charlton. Striker Chris Porter, defender Marcus Williams and midfielder Nick Montgomery are all expected to continue on the bench as United bid to leapfrog Huddersfield back into the second automatic promotion spot. Skipper Stephen Carr is not yet ready to make his comeback for Birmingham, but Liam Ridgewell does return. Carr has not featured since mid-December due to a knee injury but has returned to training and is not far off full fitness. Ridgewell, who is the subject of speculation regarding his future at the midlands club, has missed City's last two games with a hamstring problem but is back in the fold, as is fellow defender Pablo Ibanez who has been sidelined recently with a knee complaint. Striker Marlon King was forced off just after half-time in last Saturday's 3-0 victory over Watford with a tight groin and is a doubt although the problem is minor, while manager Chris Hughton has opted to rest King and Nikola Zigic for FA Cup duty in any case. Winger Jean Beausejour has this week completed an undisclosed move to Wigan, meaning Nathan Redmond is likely to come in at Bramall Lane. Guirane N'Daw remains at the African Nations Cup with Senegal, who have one group match remaining despite being unable to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
Match Report
Rooney at the double as Blues cruise Adam Rooney's double helped Birmingham cruise through to the fifth round of the FA Cup as Sheffield United's eight-match winning run at Bramall Lane came to a shuddering halt with a 4-0 defeat. The 23-year-old Irishman struck seven minutes before half-time, after Birmingham teenager Nathan Redmond had scored against the run of play in the 18th minute. Birmingham never looked back after Rooney had added that second goal, and although the Blades struck the woodwork twice in a matter of seconds shortly after the restart, Wade Elliott added a third for the Championship side and Rooney wrapped up the contest in the 78th minute. Danny Wilson's Blades are flying high in npower League One as they bid to bounce straight back to the second tier. But they were no match for Chris Hughton's in-form side, who have now won their last five matches and are unbeaten in their last nine. The home side were unchanged for the fourth game running, while Hughton recalled goalkeeper Colin Doyle, midfielders Morgaro Gomis, Redmond and Elliott, plus striker Rooney. The tie's opening chance fell to the Blades in the fourth minute. Full-back Matt Lowton crossed from the right and midfielder Kevin McDonald's well-struck shot from the edge of the penalty area was blocked by defender Curtis Davies. Ched Evans was next to threaten as United made all the early running, but Birmingham shocked them by taking the lead. Midfielder Jordan Mutch swung over a corner from the right and when the ball broke to Redmond on the edge of the penalty area, the 17-year-old rifled home a low shot into the centre of goal. Redmond fired another effort just wide when cutting in from his wing five minutes later as the visitors seized the initiative, but Blades striker Evans forced Doyle into a smart save with a 20-yard free-kick in the 27th minute. Full of confidence, Redmond tried his luck from further out, but his 30-yard rocket was just off target, while Evans lashed a volley wide from a similar distance. But, buoyed by their initial breakthrough, Birmingham carried all the momentum and when they doubled their lead through Rooney it was no more than they deserved. Winger Chris Burke waltzed into the penalty area and played the ball square for Rooney to lash home his fifth goal of the season, high into the net from six yards. The Blades had chances to get back into the game seven minutes after the restart but luck was not on their side. Lee Williamson's crisp shot from inside the area hit the crossbar and Lowton's follow-up effort also came back off the woodwork with Birmingham goalkeeper Doyle well beaten. But it was not to be United's day and Elliott rubbed salt into their wounds when thundering home the visitors' third goal from 20 yards five minutes later. Rooney sidefooted home the fourth goal following David Murphy's cross.
