After a successful season following his return to Premier League football after coming out of retirement, Brum captain Stephen Carr is expected to agree a new deal to remain at the club.

With only a year to run on his existing contract, a two-year extension is being discussed. Former international Carr, who played 40 games last year, is still an integral part of Alex McLeish’s squad.

 

McLeish himself also has a year remaining on his contract in charge at St Andrews but has also been discussing extending his stay. With the final confirmation on hold pending the teams return from their pre-season tour of China, the trip to the Far East will have given all parties thinking time. However, given Birmingham’s progress last year, owner Carson Yeung will be keen to tie down his man.

McLeish will have begun preparations for the up-and-coming Premier League campaign with new first team coach Peter Grant. Birmingham’s new signing Nikola Zigic is keen to be a part of it following his move from Valencia. He is confident that he can adapt to the rigours of regular Premier League football. “I’ pretty sure I will be able to do that. I do have to adapt a bit physically but I am working very, very hard on that in training.”