Team News: Gary Rowett rings the changes for Blyth Spartans cup tie

Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett has made 10 changes to his side for this afternoon's FA Cup third-round meeting against lower-league opposition Blyth Spartans.

Michael Morrison is the only man to retain his place in the Blues' starting lineup as the Championship club look to avoid what would be a major upset at the first hurdle.

It means that experienced striker Nikola Zigic comes into the fold for his first start since rejoining the club, while Wes Thomas and Lee Novak are also named in an attacking-looking side.

The visitors, who are the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition, were hoping to have defender Alex Nicholson fit for today's tie, but he misses out through injury.

Jarrett Rivers, the hero of the last round with a late winner against Hartlepool United, will be one of the key men for the Spartans as they look to continue their impressive cup run at St Andrew's.

Birmingham City starting XI: Doyle, Eardley, Edgar, Duffy, Thomas, Novak, Reilly, Hancox, Zigic, Morrison, Moussi

Blyth Spartans starting XI: Jeffries, Dixon, Watson, Hutchinson, Buddle, Turnbull, Hawkins, Mullen, Rivers, Dale, Maguire