JONES SEEKS STRIKING SOLUTION

Problems for the Bluebirds boss.

Dave Jones is facing an attacking dilemma as he looks to end Cardiff's striker problems against Birmingham.

No Bluebirds striker has registered from open play in over 10 hours of football and what started out as a problem is rapidly turning into a crisis at Ninian Park.

Jones looks set to turn to Jay Bothroyd and Ross McCormack against Blues after Eddie Johnson's less than impressive display in the midweek Carling Cup defeat to Swansea.

Paul Parry looks certain to start in central midfield after Stephen McPhail saw red against the Swans while Darcy Blake is pushing for a return after a facial injury.

Defender Gabor Gyepes is available again after being cup-tied in midweek but midfielders Mark Kennedy (hamstring), Riccardo Scimeca (knee) and Tony Capaldi (knee) are still battling back to fitness and are expected to return next month.

Alex McLeish may be tempted to make changes to his Birmingham side for the trip to Cardiff following last weekend's woeful display against Blackpool.

Blues crashed to a sorry 1-0 defeat at home to the Seasiders and McLeish was less than impressed with what he witnessed from his promotion hopefuls.

Scottish striker Garry O'Connor is likely to come into attack after impressing in training and for the reserves since his groin problem.

Right-back Stephen Kelly has been ruled out for three to four weeks with a thigh strain but Stuart Parnaby should return after overcoming ankle ligament problems.

Centre-back Radhi Jaidi has also impressed in training of late and could feature while goalkeeper Colin Doyle will take his place on the bench following minor knee surgery.

Mehdi Nafti serves the final game of his three-match ban while fellow central midfielder Damien Johnson is still out with a back problem.