Chris Powell says he’s happy with his defensive options as he looks for a way of putting the shutters up against a Birmingham City side who hit Reading for six last Saturday.

Murray Wallace’s red card in the 5-0 defeat at Norwich City means he serves a one-match suspension.

Meanwhile Joel Lynch is unlikely to beat the groin injury he picked up at Bolton Wanderers three weeks ago.

Anthony Gerrard could come in alongside his old Cardiff City teammate Mark Hudson for a first appearance of the season.

Manager Powell could also pick the versatile Lee Peltier or utilise Tommy Smith, who has tended to play right-back.

“You know you are likely to have deal with suspensions and injuries at some stage,” said Powell.

“Anthony Gerrard has played a number of Under 21 games, and will be ready if called upon.

“We also have Lee Peltier and Tommy Smith who can play there.

“And that’s without dipping down to the Under 21s, who have been doing well of late.”

Joe Wright and Joe Wilkinson are the regular central defenders in Frankie Bunn’s side, who this week beat Everton to make the last 16 of the Under 21 Premier League Cup.

Powell continued: “There’s no denying central defence is a key area.

“But I have options, and it’s my job to make the right selection for this game.”

18-year-old academy product Demarai Gray grabbed a hat trick as City beat Reading 6-1, and Powell admitted: “He’s one to keep an eye on.

“Birmingham raised a few eyebrows with that win, but in all honesty, it could have been 3-3.

“It sums up the division, and they will come here buoyant and with confidence.

“They have good individuals and they are playing solidly as a team. (Manager) Gary Rowett has recognised that’s the way to move forward.”

Town’s Under 18s take on their Birmingham counterparts at PPG Canalside, where kick-off is 12.00.

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