Stephen Kelly comes back into contention for this weekend.

Blues are boosted by the return of Gary McSheffrey, Stephen Kelly and Nigel Quashie to the squad for this weekend's FA Cup tie at home to Wolves.

The latter has missed the last two games due to flu whilst McSheffrey and Kelly have both been long-term absentees with knee injuries since mid-September.

Blues manager Alex McLeish admitted that the return of the trio would provide "healthy competition" in the squad.

McLeish said: "Macca and Kells have been out a long time and haven't played football for a while.

"Ideally you would like them to get some bounce games under their belt but the physio has okayed them to come back into the group and that means they are now available for selection."

McLeish admitted that Kelly's return was timely with on-loan right-back Nicky Hunt being recalled by his parent club Bolton Wanderers.

"It is perfect timing, not that we wanted Nicky to go back because he has done well, he was great in the group and terrific going forward for us, making a couple of goals with great crosses.

"In other circumstances we may have spoken to Bolton to try and hold on to him but we have two good full-backs here in Kelly and Stuart Parnaby.

"Hopefully Kells will come back all guns blazing. He was disappointed not to have started the season in the team which I think set him back a wee bit mentally and then he got the injury.

"I'll be looking for him to provide Stuart with great competition for the spot."

Kelly has only started once in the Championship this season after playing every minute of Premier League football for Blues in the last campaign.

McLeish said: "When the world seems such a wonderful place you have these setbacks and the challenge for you is to deal with them and come back stronger.

"That is the sign of tough characters and mental toughness. Stephen I'm sure will be looking for a much-improved 2009."

Gary McSheffrey could make his comeback from injury against Wolves.

On McSheffrey's return to the squad, McLeish said: "Gary at the start of the season was searching for the Championship form of a couple of seasons ago until he got injured also.

"We are looking for Sheff in the second half of the season to show us his prowess in front of goal and the ability that he showed in this division with us and before that at Coventry."

He added: "He can be a match winner and we hope that he comes back with a new lease of life."

There is not such good news on the team news front for McLeish who will again be without the influential duo of Seb Larsson and James McFadden.

The boss commented: "We are nursing them at the moment to get them to peak fitness in terms of their groins."

Adding: "Larsson came back in the Reading game and I know he was very disappointed. He has set himself high standards and he felt that he wasn't doing himself justice.

"We had a chat and decided that it was best to get his injury out of his mind so there were no restrictions and he was back to his absolute best."

Tickets are still available for this weekend's game and fans will be able to pay on day - click HERE for more details. Don't forget that season tickets holders will be admitted free!