Midfielder banned - keeper back for Blues

Barry Ferguson is suspended for Birmingham's Monday night trip to Liverpool, but goalkeeper Joe Hart is available to return.

Midfielder Ferguson must serve a one-game ban after being red carded for two yellow cards during last Sunday's 0-0 draw against Manchester City.

However loan custodian Hart, who was ineligible to face his parent club City, could be recalled unless boss Alex McLeish feels veteran Maik Taylor deserves another opportunity to shine after impressing against Mark Hughes' big spending side.

Winger Keith Fahey is doubtful after suffering a knock to his knee in training, while striker Garry O'Connor is still troubled by a groin problem.

McLeish is confident his Blues side can pick up a positive result at Anfield after securing four points from their last two games against Sunderland and City.

He said: "The last couple of performances gives the players the entitlement to believe in themselves. They have played some good football this season.

"I don't know what the fans feel about our overall season, but I am sure they have seen some pretty decent football from the team regardless of what system we have played - from the first kick of the season to this very moment.

"We know face another huge challenge, and the players are going to Anfield feeling good about themselves, but we know it is a game where we are ranked as underdogs."