Birmingham City v Southampton: Debut for Blues newcomer
GIOVANNY Espinoza is set to make his Blues debut in tonight’s Carling Cup second round tie at Southampton (7.45pm).
And Ecuador compatriot Christian Benitez is likely to be handed his first start after three substitute appearances.
Alex McLeish, because of injuries and unavailability, has only been able to travel to St Mary’s with a squad of 16.
But the manager said he was looking forward to seeing two of his new summer signings in action from the off.
We will be live-blogging tonight at 7.15 from Southampton with our writers Colin Tattum and Andy Walker bringing you live match coverage and banter from the ground - join us at www.birminghammail.net/live
“Espinoza has been bursting to get back in. He’s done all the training necessary, it’s now time to introduce him to the English game.
“Benitez has probably done enough now to earn a start and he needs a 90 minutes under his belt. Both of them are at a level where they can start.”
Kevin Phillips (back) and Keith Fahey, who has been granted compassionate leave, have joined a lengthy list of absentees.
Cameron Jerome, Gregory Vignal, Martin Taylor, Scott Dann, Damien Johnson, Jordon Mutch, Marcus Bent and Jared Wilson, remain on the sidelines. Then there are long-term absentees Liam Ridgewell and David Murphy.
“Phillips has got a tight back, we have let Fahey return to Ireland and one or two others are still struggling with strains,” said McLeish, who has opted not to call up any ex-Academy graduates.
“It does show you the vulnerability. You look and think you’ve got a big squad but all of a sudden two or three injuries and you are struggling.
