AFTER two successive seasons of play-off misery, Birmingham City boss Trevor Francis is hoping this year will be third time lucky.

But not for the first time their campaign is being undermined by injury problems, one of the latest of the manager's making.

A typically fierce Francis shot broke star defender Darren Purse's wrist in training a couple of weeks ago and the medical room is once again more like the set of Casualty.

Purse has joined fellow defender David Holdsworth, winger John McCarthy, strikers Dele Adebola and Tommy Mooney and new keeper Nico Vaesen on the sidelines. In addition midfielder Nicky Eaden might be out with a hamstring injury.

The problems have led to the arrival of two loan players, Blackburn Rovers keeper Alan Kelly and Derby's Norwegian international defender Bjorn Bragstad.

Both played against Manchester City at the weekend when the Blues were on the wrong end of a 3-0 thumping.

That setback ended a run of six straight victories in league and cup following an opening day of the season defeat at Wimbledon.

The home side should be boosted by the return of Aussie left winger Stan Lazaridis, a sub at Maine Road, and if Eaden is unfit Bryan Hughes could line-up on the opposite flank. Danny Sonner, who started his league career at Turf Moor, may feature in central midfield with Martin O'Connor.

Up front the Blues have the promising young Andrew Johnson whose pace is his greatest asset. He will partner former Halifax striker Geoff Horsfield.

At the back Bragstad is expected to keep his place alongside Michael Johnson with Jerry Gill and Martin Grainger the full backs.