Kenny: Lay off Sav

Birmingham's Kenny Cunningham says Robbie Savage is not to blame for leaving.

The Welsh midfielder's switch to Ewood Park was a bitter episode with both sides slamming the other during the drawn-out move.

Savage always claimed that he wanted to move to be closer to his sick parents in North Wales, although sceptics claimed he just wanted to play for Mark Hughes - and earn a pay rise in the process.

Savage would be in for a fiery reception from Blues fans should he be fit enough to play next Saturday. But Cunningham says he is not entirely to blame.

"What happened with Robbie is part and parcel of football," said Cunningham. "Invariably it leaves a sour taste in the mouth of supporters and possibly understandably so.

"But that is the game. Fans have to be realistic that, in the modern game of football, this is how things work.

"Obviously fans will find it difficult to appreciate but, deep down, if they were in the same position, I am sure they would put themselves and their families first, ahead of football. That may sound a bit selfish but that's the way it is.

"I wouldn't paint Robbie as the bad boy in this situation and I don't think Robbie's transfer has had a huge destabilising effect on Birmingham.

"Obviously it was emotional for Robbie as it was a big move for him but there is enough experience in the squad to know that in football this situation has repeated itself time and time again, though.

"The rest of the players distanced themselves from it. Robbie was a key player for the club while he was here but it was Robbie's business between himself, the club and Blackburn.

"He eventually got the move he wanted and good luck to him. You have to respect that fact and I wouldn't criticise him because of that.

"He played a big part in this club's success but now his future lies with Blackburn.

Cunningham insisted that Savage's return would not add anything extra to the game, saying there is no bad feeling between the two sets of players.

"I don't think there will be any particular edge to the match as there is certainly no bad feeling between any players at either club.

"I have a healthy respect for their club and the players I know on a personal basis.

"I wouldn't like to build it up into any kind of grudge match because I don't think it is and I hope we will be talking about the game for footballing reasons afterwards."