FORMER Republic of Ireland colleagues Jeff Kenna and Damien Duff are set to test each other's mettle at St Andrews.
For rising star Duff, the only player to bring some sparkle to Rovers lack-lustre season's opener against Sunderland at Ewood Park, it will be another chance to stamp his international class credentials on the fledgling season.
And, with him set to sign a new deal for Rovers, he will want to underline his commitment to Graeme Souness's cause with another strong display.
For ex-Rovers defender Kenna the challenge of stopping Duff will be one he will be hungry to take on.
After leaving Ewood there was a short spell at Wigan before signing up to the Blues as their bandwagon rolled into the Premiership via the play-offs.
Opening day defeat to Arsenal at Highbury was hardly a yardstick to how the Blues will fare and Kenna and his team-mates will be well aware that impressaing aginst the likes of Rovers holds more of a key to their survival in the top flight than how they fare aginst the division's glitterati.
JEFF KENNA
Date of birth...27-08-1970
Place of birth...Dublin
Position...Defender
International Caps... Ireland 27
Current club
Birmingham
Signed...01-02-2002
Other clubs
Wigan, Tranmere, Blackburn, Southampton
DAMIEN DUFF
Date of birth...02-03-1979
Place of birth...Ballyboden
Position...Midfielder
International Caps... Ireland 29
Current Club
Signed...05-03-1996
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article