Alex McLeish

Alex McLeish says he is considering freshening up his team at West Ham because of Blues' heavy match schedule.

Blues travel down to East London tomorrow before they head up to the East Midlands on Saturday for their FA Cup fifth round tie against Derby.

McLeish has already confirmed that there will definitely be at least one change at Upton Park to the side that has served him so well in Blues' last 12 league fixtures because of Christian Benitez's ankle injury.

But he has also hinted there may be changes in other areas of the pitch.

"There is enforced change and food for thought in one or two other positions," said McLeish.

"With three games in a week I've got to think about the next couple of games.

"We are certainly mindful of what it took out of the players on Sunday (against Wolves) and what it will take out of them tomorrow night going into the Derby game.

"The players that have been playing consistently have been on a magnificent run, but I'm aware I don't want to kill them."

Craig Gardner

McLeish's options have been strengthened by the recent cameo performances from the likes of Michel, Craig Gardner, Keith Fahey and Kevin Phillips.

"Now having seen the contribution from new faces coming into the club and what they can do for us then there are opportunities to perhaps freshen things up," he said.

"I already know from their quality that they will do well for Birmingham.

"The thing about it now is that if they get an opportunity to show what they can do, they will not be fazed.

"Craig (Gardner) and Keith Fahey showed up well at the weekend, as did Michel against Tottenham and Chelsea.

"And of course Kevin (Phillips) was a fantastic contributor on Sunday."