Blues star to undergo surgery

Birmingham captain Damien Johnson will miss the start of the season after deciding on surgery to cure a long-standing back problem.

Johnson was forced to return from Blues' pre-season tour of Austria after the injury flared up again and the midfielder expects to be sidelined for two months after he has the operation.

"Damien's resisted it for a couple of years but now it's felt an operation is best," boss Alex McLeish told the club's website. "He'll be out for no less that two months," he added to the club website.

McLeish revealed that summer signing from Everton Lee Carsley will lead the side in his absence. He added: "Lee has a vast knowledge of the game and is an excellent leader."