AFC Bournemouth vs Birmingham preview - Cherries wait on Pugh

Bournemouth will wait on the fitness of key midfielder Marc Pugh ahead of their vital home clash with Birmingham.

Pugh missed out on their Good Friday 1-1 draw at Ipswich having failed to recover from an ankle injury he sustained in the thumping 3-0 win over Middlesbrough and he will now be monitored by the club's medical team.

Boss Eddie Howe also has to decide whether to hand Kenwyne Jones his first start for the Cherries having made an instant impact with a goal just three minutes in to his debut from the bench at Portman Road.

Bournemouth memorably won 8-0 when the sides met earlier this season.

Birmingham could welcome Jonathan Spector back into the fold.

The former Manchester United and West Ham defender missed Good Friday's win over Rotherham after failing a fitness test on a heel problem.

Highly-rated winger Demarai Gray, the subject of a B£5million bid from Bournemouth during the previous transfer window, started against the Millers despite playing three games in less than a week for England Under-19s and, after leaving the field in the 67th minute, may be given a rest.

Striker Matt Green and defender Gavin Gunning have both returned to fitness following long-term knee injuries, although they may have to bide their time before winning a place back in Gary Rowett's squad.