John Fleck expected to be back for Sheffield United

Sheffield United midfielder John Fleck should return for the visit of Birmingham.

The Scot missed Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Bristol City after failing to shake off a groin problem but is in line to feature on Wednesday.

Paul Coutts, closing in on a return after breaking his leg last November, is not yet ready for first-team action.

Coutts, who suffered the injury at Burton last season, played 90 minutes in the under-23s’ 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest on Monday.

Birmingham remain without Isaac Vassell and David Davis for the trip to Bramall Lane.

Striker Vassell has been out for almost a year with a knee injury while midfielder Davis fractured his ankle in pre-season and is unlikely to return much before Christmas.

Midfielder Craig Gardner, who picked up a knock in training in the build up to Friday’s 1-1 draw with West Brom, remains a doubt.

Birmingham are still winless in the Sky Bet Championship this season, drawing five of their seven games.