Liam Ridgewell and Franck Queudrue have both shaken off illness in time to boost Birmingham's defensive ranks ahead of the trip to Preston.Centre-back Ridgewell has missed the last two games with a virus but will return at Deepdale while left-back Queudrue is also expected to feature having come off against Plymouth in midweek.

Right-back David Murphy is also pushing for a return as he looks to complete his rehabilitation from a groin problem, while midfielder Sebastian Larsson has an outside chance of making it as he recovers from a similar injury.

Forwards James McFadden (groin) and Gary McSheffrey (knee) are getting ever closer to a return but Saturday is expected to come too soon for them both.

Midfielder Damien Johnson may make the bench again after recovering from a long-term back problem but manager Alex McLeish is unlikely to risk him unless needs be.

Striker Garry O'Connor (groin) and defenders Stephen Kelly (thigh) and Jordon Mutch (foot) continue to miss out.

Kick-off at Deepdale is 5:20pm.

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