Birmingham vs Middlesbrough - Vassell could make long-awaited Birmingham return

Birmingham’s Isaac Vassell could return after 14 months out injured following his comeback in the Under-23s.

The forward has been out since 2017 after suffering a serious knee injury and then a hip problem during his recovery but could make the bench.

Midfielder David Davis (ankle) is still sidelined but could return by the end of the month.

Kristian Pedersen is back after an ankle injury but Omar Bogle (calf) is out.

Middlesbrough have defensive problems ahead of the trip to St Andrew’s.

Daniel Ayala, Ryan Shotton and Aden Flint missed the FA Cup win over Peterborough last week.

Flint is facing weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury while Ayala (knock) and Shotton (knee) are struggling.

Winger Rajiv van La Parra is looking to retain his place after making his debut last weekend.