Johnson on way back for Blues

Birmingham hope to have Damien Johnson back in full training within eight weeks following surgery on a back problem.

Johnson had been ordered to rest after having the surgery on a disc in his back but it is now hoped the player's problems will be behind him once and for all.

"He's about eight to 10 weeks before he will start training with the first team again," boss Alex McLeish revealed. "He's come in and he's walking gingerly at the moment.

"But he is back at the training ground and he's been in the gym now and again, and I think he's delighted to get out of the house, see the boys again and mingle with the players.

"He had quite a solid season last year. When I came in he played the majority of the games, and at a good level.

"But his back was always troubling him and hopefully the fact that he's had something done about it now it will add three or four more years to his career."