Cunningham back for Blues
The Republic of Ireland's Kenny Cunningham has declared himself fit for tomorrow’s Premiership opener at Fulham – a fortnight after suffering a collapsed lung.
There were initial fears that the skipper would miss the start of the campaign following the problem which occurred in a pre-season friendly against QPR at Loftus Road.
But the 34-year-old has proved his fitness during the past week and will partner Matthew Upson in defence at Craven Cottage.
Birmingham manager Steve Bruce said: “Everyone knows what Kenny has contributed to Birmingham over the last three years. He has been one of the big players for us in becoming established in the Premiership.
“It is great that he is available for the start of the season. He has trained this week and even came in when everyone else had a day off.
“Of course we have had to be careful with something which is obviously painful but Kenny has got better each day. The good thing is that there has been no reaction and his return is a lift and strengthens us.”
Cunningham had missed the opening two games of last season through suspension and was replaced by Martin Taylor who was on standby again if he had failed to recover.
He is in the final year of his current contract and has indicated he wants to leave any thoughts of a new deal until the end of the season when he will reassess his own physical condition.
