Blues entertain the Championship’s bottom club Ipswich at St. Andrews tomorrow in their first of two home games in three days. But the Tractor Boys are now under the leadership of former Wolves boss Mick McCarthy who was unveiled as Paul Jewell’s successor on Thursday.

It seems that every time Blues appear to have turned a corner, we’re left frustrated at an inept performance that follows. But Lee Clark has stressed the importance of carrying on all the good work from recent games when Blues face the struggling Ipswich.

Nikola Zigic has completed his three game suspension and will be available for selection along with Peter Lovenkrands who has returned to training after injury. Despite making very good progress, Pablo Ibanez remains on the sidelines. Better news for Blues regarding Paul Caddis however. The right back on loan from Swindon Town is overcoming his dislocated shoulder quicker than first predicted, but Blues’ medical staff have insisted they still cannot put a timescale on his return, but it should be sooner than expected.

James Hurst has returned to West Brom after his loan spell ended.

Mick McCarthy will be without the injured Paul Taylor who is still recovering from a broken foot. Richie Wellens is a doubt with tonsilitis, but will be assessed ahead of the game. Former Blues loanee Guirane N’Daw will try to force his way back into the team after being frozen out by former boss Jewell. Bilel Mohsni should also feature.

After a morale boosting win at Leeds United last weekend (Ipswich lost 3-0 at Sheffield Wednesday) Blues face the Championship’s bottom two clubs, both at home, this represents a big chance to kick-start a stuttering campaign.

Blues legend Dave Langan will be back at St. Andrews as the guest of honour, he is sure to receive a rapturous welcoming at half-time. He is signing copies of his recently released autobiography in the club shop and the Royal George pub from 11am.