More injury woe for Parnaby

Parnaby: Ankle blow

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Birmingham defender Stuart Parnaby could be facing another spell on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury.

Parnaby has been dogged by back and groin problems this season and made only his fifth league start of the season at Portsmouth on Tuesday night.

But the former Middlesbrough man, 27, sustained another injury blow and had to be substituted early in the second half.

"I'm really gutted for Stuart," said manager Alex McLeish.

"He's felt as good as he has the whole season this past couple of weeks.

"He's had problems with his back and groin and now he's got this bang on the ankle.

"I hope he recovers quickly because he's looking back to sharpness."

Taylor

Veteran goalkeeper Maik Taylor has also endured a frustrating season with on-loan Manchester City youngster Joe Hart having been first-choice between the sticks.

Taylor has been restricted to just three appearances but the 38-year-old accepts the form of Hart has made him undroppable for the Blues and believes he should be in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

"It makes it slightly easier to accept not being in the side when the guy in your position is doing so well," said Taylor.

"It's so frustrating not playing but Joe, through his performances, is making it impossible for the manager to overlook him.

"There's certainly no room for me knocking on the manager's door at the moment, that's for sure.

"Joe has done exceptionally well and definitely deserves his chance with England. He deserves to be pushing on the door for the World Cup. He's been fantastic for us.

"We know Fabio Capello and Ray Clemence have been to watch him a number of times and he has done exceptionally well.

"He has not put a foot wrong. He is doing everything he can."

Settled

Taylor will hold talks with McLeish in the next few weeks about his own future and the Blues' boss has suggested he could extend the Northern Ireland international's stay at St Andrews into an eighth year.

"My contract is up for renewal and it's very nice of the manager to say kind words about me which I'm very glad to hear. I am fit and well," Taylor added.

"We'll sit down and talk about a new deal at some stage. I'm very settled at Birmingham. I've been here for many years and my kids are settled at school."