BIRMINGHAM boss Trevor Francis is preparing to face Wanderers with a makeshift centre-back pairing. The Blues, who have already ruled out skipper Gary Ablett until December, have their other regular centre-back, Michael Johnson, suspended for Sunday's showdown at St Andrew's.

Now, with the proposed signing of Jon Newsome having broken down and Darren Wassall also injured, Francis is ready to use Darren Purse and Gary Rowett as a short-term solution to his defensive problems.

That is assuming he doesn't go back to Sheffield Wednesday to revive the £1.6 million Newsome deal and decides against making a move for Bury's Chris Lucketti, who is his second choice and has already rejected a move to Huddersfield. Birmingham fans still expect the Newsome deal to be revived, especially since the sticking point appeared to be merely over the terms of payment; Blues wanted three years to pay while the Owls insisted on two.

Colin Todd, meanwhile, is prepared to continue with Robbie Elliott as stand-in for the injured Paul Warhurst as Wanderers, with six successive wins, bid to stretch their unbeaten run to 15 games.

Reebok keeper Gavin Ward has turned down a chance to join Wrexham on loan.

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