Tuesday 15 August 2017 23:35, UK
Harry Redknapp says Ryan Shotton will not be joining Middlesbrough until injury-hit Birmingham sign replacements.
Birmingham have agreed a fee with fellow Sky Bet Championship club Middlesbrough for the centre-back, who was forced on as a first-half substitute in the Blues' 0-0 draw with Bolton on Tuesday as Redknapp's squad was dealt further blows.
Skipper Michael Morrison was withdrawn with a broken nose, while Cheikh N'Doye also failed to complete the game after picking up a knock, and Redknapp - who has bemoaned Birmingham's lack of signings - admitted he will have to put Shotton's move on hold as things stand.
"We now have five players out injured and we go to Burton on Friday with Ryan Shotton's wife expecting a baby, which means that we could have only one (available) centre-half on our books which is not a good position to be in at this stage of the season," Redknapp said after the stalemate with Bolton.
"We have agreed terms with Middlesbrough for Shotton's transfer but he will not be leaving until we have a replacement as I firmly believe we should have four central defenders on the books.
"This is why we need to get in some quality players if we are going to be a team challenging for promotion.
"I didn't enjoy standing watching how we played. The effort was there but I want to see us play as there is no fun for me watching this sort of performance.
"No disrespect to Bolton. They are not one of the better teams in the league. If they can consolidate they will have done well. I thought they played well against us and were the better team."
Birmingham brought on new signing Isaac Vassell in the second half, but the former Luton striker could not find the breakthrough for Redknapp's side.
"I couldn't see us winning and I was looking for the final whistle," Redknapp added. "I couldn't say that I enjoyed the game.
"It was almost the same team which struggled to stay up last season and that is a big worry.
"There is ambition in the club to get in some quality otherwise it is going to be another tough season."
