Is Savage to blame?

Irishman Kenny Cunningham says that former Birmingham team-mate Robbie Savage should not be blamed for his departure from St Andrews, as he prepares for his first return with Blackburn.

Savage is in for a fiery reception from Blues fans should he be fit enough to play next Saturday. But Cunningham says he is not entirely to blame for the transfer saga that saw him move to Blackburn in the January transfer window.

Cunningham said: "What happened with Robbie is part and parcel of football,

"Invariably it leaves a sour taste in the mouth of supporters and possibly understandably so.

"But that is the game. Fans have to be realistic that, in the modern game of football, this is how things work.

"Obviously fans will find it difficult to appreciate but, deep down, if they were in the same position, I am sure they would put themselves and their families first, ahead of football. That may sound a bit selfish but that's the way it is.

"I wouldn't paint Robbie as the bad boy in this situation and I don't think Robbie's transfer has had a huge destabilising effect on Birmingham.

"Obviously it was emotional for Robbie as it was a big move for him but there is enough experience in the squad to know that in football this situation has repeated itself time and time again, though.

"The rest of the players distanced themselves from it. Robbie was a key player for the club while he was here but it was Robbie's business between himself, the club and Blackburn.

"He eventually got the move he wanted and good luck to him. You have to respect that fact and I wouldn't criticise him because of that.

"He played a big part in this club's success but now his future lies with Blackburn.