Birmingham v Swansea preview

Midfield concern for both managers

Last updated: 27th December 2008

Birmingham v Swansea preview

Johnson: Will be assessed

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Birmingham City will check on two midfielders ahead of the game with Swansea City, who have a concern over Leon Britton.

Alex McLeish is hopeful that Damien Johnson will be fit enough to play what would be his second game in three days after completing his first 90 minutes in six months against Ipswich on Boxing Day.

Sebastian Larsson missed the Portman Road trip with a groin strain, but the Sweden international could be involved against Swansea.

Defender Stephen Kelly has returned to training but is yet to recover fully from a thigh complaint, while winger Gary McSheffrey (knee) and striker Garry O'Connor (groin) remain sidelined.

Swansea news

Swansea boss Roberto Martinez will assess the fitness of Britton ahead of the game at St Andrews.

The midfielder took a knock to his ankle during the Boxing Day draw with Coventry and, despite completing the match, he will be closely monitored before kick-off.

Midfielder Mark Gower returned from illness to come on for the final eight minutes against Coventry and he is pushing for a place in the starting line-up.

Fellow midfielder Andrea Orlandini, who had been out since October with a thigh injury, was an unused substitute in that game and is set to be on the bench once again.

On-loan goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos is available for selection after being unavailable to face his parent club on Boxing Day.

Stephen O'Halloran, Ferrie Bodde and Marcus Painter remain out with cruciate ligament injuries while defender Federico Bessone is still sidelined with a hamstring problem.