Blyth Spartans vs Birmingham preview - Nicholson boost for Blyth

Alex Nicholson is expected to be fit when Blyth Spartans welcome Championship side Birmingham to Croft Park in the FA Cup third round.

The defender was withdrawn with a dead leg during the 1-0 defeat at Whitby in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League which ended their seven-game winning streak.

Fellow defender Danny Parker was an unused substitute in that match while midfielder Stephen Turnbull - who netted a fantastic free-kick in the shock 2-1 win at Hartlepool in round two - and striker Dan Maguire made appearances from the bench with this tie in mind.

Midfielder Neal Hooks was handed a run-out against Whitby but is expected to make way for Turnbull as they bid for another cup upset.

Nikola Zigic could make his first start for Birmingham since rejoining the club.

The giant Serbia striker has only made three appearances as a second-half substitute so far, but manager Gary Rowett insists he has been impressed by what he has seen.

Rowett admits he may look to rest a few players following the busy Festive period but says he will not be taking too many chances for what could be a tricky test.

Will Packwood (groin), Gavin Gunning (knee) and Matt Green (knee) remain on the injury list.