Birmingham vs Newcastle - Clayton Donaldson hoping for Birmingham spot following injury

Clayton Donaldson could make the Birmingham squad after three months out with an Achilles injury.

The striker has featured for the under-23 team recently but was not selected for last week's 1-1 draw at Cardiff.

Jacques Maghoma is fit again after injury and illness, and has played just once since returning from the African Nations Cup in January.

Midfielder Reece Brown has returned to Blues early from his spell at Chesterfield but will not be able to play for Birmingham again this season due to loan regulations.

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez may have to do without full-back DeAndre Yedlin for five weeks after a thigh injury proved to be more serious than first thought.

Yedlin has missed the last two games with a muscle tear and his absence is expected to extend well into April, although Benitez at least has cover in the shape of Vurnon Anita and Jesus Gamez.

The Spaniard will also make a late check on central defender Ciaran Clark, who limped out of last weekend's 3-1 home defeat by Fulham with a knee problem, and Clark's Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill will be hoping for positive news ahead of next weekend's World Cup qualifier against Wales.

Isaac Hayden is back in training after ankle surgery, while fellow midfielder Rolando Aarons continues to work his way back from knee ligament damage.