CHRIS Hughton has insisted that he wouldn’t be afraid of making changes to the Birmingham City side for tonight’s game.

He admitted that up to five players were carrying knocks or strains from the recent exertions, although Wade Elliott and Pablo both return to the squad after their lay-offs.

In the play-off round, Hughton made just three (away leg) and one (home leg) alterations to his side, albeit at that time Blues had worse injury problems and the squad was not as deep.

For the group stage so far, he has averaged five changes in the three matches.

“The important thing, of course, is to try and keep some momentum,” Hughton said.

“We have managed to use the squad to good effect, and so far it has worked quite well.