Youngsters get cup tie call-ups

Last updated : 03 October 2002 By Brian Cartlidge

Woodhouse could start in midfield
Into the squad come Craig Fagan, Curtis Woodhouse, Joey Hutchinson, Christophe Grondin and most surprisingly 17-year-old Mat Sadler.

And, Sadler could well start against Orient as Bruce looks to find a replacement left-back for long term injury victim Martin Grainger.

Sadler has captained England at several age levels and is seen by many at the club as Grainger's probable long-term successor.

Young striker Craig Fagan and French midfielder Christophe Grondin could get a place on the Blues bench against Orient after forcing their way into the first team squad.

"We're looking at one or two options," said Bruce.

Club captain Steve Vickers comes in for Kenny Cunningham at centre-back and Darryl Powell and Curtis Woodhouse will probably start in midfield instead of Robbie Savage and Aliou Cisse who are rested.

BLUES SQUAD: Bennett, Vaesen, Kenna, Sadler, Vickers, Purse, Carter, Devlin, Powell, Woodhouse, Kirovski, Lazaridis, Morrison, Horsfield, John, D Johnson, Fagan, Grondin, Hutchinson.