Prepare to be savaged, Robbie

The Scot saw his team put in a dire performance on Tuesday night, losing 2-0 against fellow relegation strugglers Sunderland.

Yet the appearance of Derby County's two midfielders should render any rousing team talk unnecessary.

Scroll down for more

Hell hath no fury like a set of supporters who feel scorned.

And with the appearance of both players, Birmingham City's crowd will need no encouragement to make their feelings known.

Ghaly has distanced himself from criticisms made by the club's former boss Steve Bruce after a proposed £3million move from Tottenham collapsed last summer.

The Geordie said that the Egypt midfielder had refused to join in with some pre-season running.

Ghaly, 26, refuted those claims, insisting instead he felt 'uncomfortable'.

While that issue remains open to interpretation, Savage's one-time love affair with the home crowd turned decidedly sour after the new Derby skipper refused overtures this week to diffuse what is still a potentially combustible situation.

The 33-year-old feels aggrieved for damage caused against his property as he worked his ticket from St Andrew's to Blackburn three years ago. The culprits were never found.

Yet if Birmingham's supporters were willing to forget the charade that he wanted to quit the club to be closer to his ailing parents in Wrexham — co-owner David Sullivan not only offered him a chauffeur-driven car but then pointed out, from Birmingham or Blackburn, the difference in distance to Wrexham was negligible — the midfielder then fanned the flames yet again.

According to Bruce, his move to Ewood Park was sealed when he broke down in tears in the manager's office, claiming he wanted to play for 'his hero' Mark Hughes.

But instead of defusing the situation on his return 21 months ago, an over-excited celebration incensed the home crowd still further.

Rumours afterwards that he had been punched by Damien Johnson in the tunnel to the dressing room swept website message boards.

They proved unfounded. But with Johnson set to resume his rivalry with Savage, the fixture needs no added spice.

The charged atmosphere should help McLeish, whose side cling to a spot above the relegation places by virtue of goal difference.

Defeat against Paul Jewell's side, who showed commendable spirit to draw against Manchester City in midweek, would undoubtedly crank up the pressure.

Birmingham defender Stephen Kelly hopes the crowd will show some restraint, fearing it might bring out the best in defiant Savage.

Kelly, who did not play with the Welshman but has played against him, said: "Damien (Johnson) knows him better than most after playing with him for so long and he should be able to deal with the situation. I think players like Savage thrive on negative energy around them.

"When the fans are getting on his back he knows he's doing his job. When the fans don't take a liking to him that means he is doing the right thing and getting on people's nerves."

Birmingham's current bosses were unaware of the full facts surrounding both players.

Assistant manager Roy Aitken said: "I'm sure there will be a healthy reception for both of them.

"And as they are both ex-players, they'll be well up for it. But we need to look at our own performances. The crowd have been good at St Andrew's so far, if we can concentrate on ourselves, rather than others, that would be a help."