Birmingham v Barnsley preview

Team news for Saturday's Championship clash between Birmingham and Barnsley at St Andrew's. Birmingham striker Nikola Zigic is again likely to play a substitute's role against Barnsley as he steps up his return from long-term injury.Zigic made his first appearance of the season after groin surgery as he stepped off the bench for the final 25 minutes of Wednesday's Carling Cup defeat at Manchester City.The Serbia international is unlikely to start against the Tykes but is certain to be introduced again.Midfielder Keith Fahey got 67 minutes under his belt in the 2-0 defeat as he also made his return from a groin injury, and the Irishman stands a chance of starting once again this weekend.Striker Chris Wood and midfielder Wade Elliott return into contention having been ineligible for the cup clash.And that provides manager Chris Hughton with a plethora of options having rotated his ranks in midweek and made seven changes, with the likes of Boaz Myhill, Steven Caldwell and Marlon King pushing to return.Barnsley's squad is still affected by illness with defender Stephen Foster among those who could be struggling to be fit for the trip to face Blues.Tykes manager Keith Hill was reluctant to specify which of his players had not been feeling well, but Foster missed training on Thursday.Hill said: "We've had illness in the camp. We're probably worse off than last week. It presents an opportunity for other players. We're going into a stern test, but we've no fear."Striker Ricardo Vaz Te, fit again following a thigh muscle tear, and midfielder Nathan Doyle (groin) both stepped off the substitutes' bench last week and will be hoping to play a bigger part.Winger Matt Done (hamstring) remains doubtful while summer signing Craig Davies (groin), teenager Reuben Noble-Lazarus, defender Miles Addison (both ankle) and midfielder Goran Lovre (knee) all remain sidelined.

Source: Team_Talk