Birmingham City could be set for a massive boost ahead of their clash with rivals Aston Villa, manager Garry Monk has revealed.

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, the Blues manager revealed he is hoping to have tricky winger Jacques Maghoma back in contention, after the Congo star returned to full training following a spell out with injury.

"We are hopeful that Jota and Maghoma will both be fit for this weekend’s game," Monk revealed. "We’ve got a lot of games coming up soon and we are very hopeful that they will both be a part of that, we are going to need them."

The update from Monk could represent a timely boost for the Blues, who are hoping to put the dampeners on Villa manager Dean Smith's impressive start to life as manager of the Midlands club.

Maghoma had been a key man for Monk up until his injury, and with Monk stating influential attacking midfielder Jota should also be back, suddenly the attacking options for Monk's men have taken a turn for the better.

The Verdict

This is a massive boost for Birmingham, especially ahead of what we all know is such a massive game.

Maghoma offers pace above anything else, something which worries defences across the Championship.

Add to this the skill and quality of Jota, and Birmingham now look like they have a serious chance of getting one over on their rivals.