RISS RETURNS FOR BRUMMIES

BIRMINGHAM have been handed a pleasant surprise with German ace Erik Riss declaring himself fit for Wednesday’s KO Cup clash with Redcar at Perry Barr.

There had been concerns Riss would miss the rest of the season with a serious shoulder injury, but he’s been back on a bike over the weekend and reported no adverse reaction.

Now he’s ready to line-up against his former club for the re-staging of the tie abandoned on opening night with the Bears holding a two-point lead.

Brummies boss Laurence Rogers said: “Having Erik back in the side is a real huge boost to us.

“A dislocation of the shoulder joints is a strange and complicated injury – but he’s received several pieces of medical advice and has been told no operation is required.

“With that in mind he was keen to get back on the bike at the first available opportunity and to be honest, it couldn’t have been timed much better than the Cup tie with Redcar.”