Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish hopeful Ben Foster will be fit for Wolves crunch match

Ben Foster of Birmingham City(Getty Images)

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Alex McLeish is hopeful goalkeeper Ben Foster will shrug off back and thigh injuries to take his place in goal against Wolves on Sunday.

Foster had to come off at the weekend, but the magnitude of Sunday’s match means McLeish will be hopeful that his first choice keeper will be able to feature.

He told reporters: “It would be a blow to lose Ben but hopefully the physios, doctor and medical team can get him back.

“Again, he is one who has been outstanding for us and saved us many points.”

Furthermore, the Blues boss has said he will recall midfielder Barry Ferguson for the match.

Ferguson was rested at the weekend as Birmingham went down 5-0 at Liverpool, but will be brought back to try and reverse the club’s worrying slump in form.

The West Midlands derby is a massive game for both clubs, with Wolves desperate for the three points and Birmingham eager to pull away from the relegation zone.

Despite Ferguson, along with other players such as Lee Bowyer, suffering from various injuries, his manager is still prepared to throw him into the starting eleven.

“Ferguson has gone through torture for us.

“He has taken injections in his ribs. He’s played for four weeks without any real training.

“We had three hard games in a week and I rested Lee Bowyer in midweek at Chelsea and Ferguson on Saturday.

“I wanted to try and keep him fresh for the game with Wolves. He will be bursting to go again at the weekend.

“Ferguson has been magnificent for us in his two years here and I am sure he will benefit from the rest.”