Vaesen could return sooner than expected

Last updated : 16 July 2003 By Brian Cartlidge
Vaesen underwent surgery after snapping cruciate knee ligaments during the 2-0 derby victory over Villa in March and was expected to be out of action until November/December.

However, the Belgian keper is now targetting an outing for Keith Bertschins second string towards the end of September.

"I have spoken with the physios at Birmingham and in eight to 10 weeks time I should be close to playing a reserve game," said Vaesen.

Blues reserves have two fixtures around the time Vaesen has spoken about - they play Leeds away on 27th September and Manchester Utd, also away from home, on October 2nd.