Birmingham City

THE ESSENTIAL

A brace from Chris Burke made it five successive wins for Birmingham City and meant that Derek McInnes began his reign as Bristol City manager with a defeat.

West Brom striker Chris Wood has extended his loan deal with Birmingham City to 5th January 2012. The New Zealand international has scored eight goals in 11 appearances for the Blues so far and said: "I'm very pleased the loan has been extended. I've settled in very well here and all of the lads - who are a great bunch - have really taken to me."

Steve Bruce has pulled off a major breakthrough in his summer transfer policy by confirming the signings of Keiren Westwood and Sebastian Larsson, from Coventry and Birmingham respectively.

Alex McLeish is confident that he is the man for the job at Aston Villa and has asked fans to give him time following his defection from Birmingham.

Birmingham City midfielder Sebastian Larsson is soon expected to make a decision on his future.

Birmingham and England goalkeeper Ben Foster has revealed he is taking an indefinite break from international football.

Alex McLeish admits Birmingham have not seen the best of Alexander Hleb during his season-long loan from Barcelona.

Premier League strugglers Birmingham have received a boost with midfielder Barry Ferguson back to full fitness for the relegation run-in.

Birmingham have reiterated a stringent denial that they are not in trouble amid uncertainty regarding their financial future.

Birmingham's Alexander Hleb expecting fitness verdict ahead of Carling Cup final.