BLUES WITHOUT STOPPERS AT READING?

Blues injury curse seems to be back with a vengance. Matty Upson is already out of Saturday's Cup clash with Championship leaders Reading through suspension. Martin Taylor damaged an ankle against Torquay and now Kenny Cunningham has a groin problem which could keep him out for a month.

Blues transfer target may now all be put on hold as Bruce will have to bring in one defender, maybe two. At least finding a defender to fit the bill should be easier than trying to prize away prolific strikers.

In the Premiership Ugo Ehiogu is still available at Middlesbrough although bringing in ex Aston Villa stalwarts nearly always ends in tears. Robert Huth of Chelsea wants a move to get regular football. Loans are out of the question and a few bob may well have to be found for the likes of him. Zat Knight of Fulham and Anthony Gardiner of Tottenham Hotspur also would fit the bill.

In the Championship Joleon Lescott of Wolves surely would jump at the chance of Premiership football having missed Wolves entire stay in the top flight. His current employers look as far away from the upper reaches as ever.

Kenny Cunningham's future looks bleak. Should Blues spend big for a replacement then they are hardly likely to offer Kenny a big contract to be an understudy. This transfer window does no favours to players in his position. Blues can't get a player on a month's loan as cover as they would have done before.