Johnson joined Blues from Blackburn in March 2002

Birmingham City captain Damien Johnson is set to miss the next two months after deciding to have an operation to cure his long-standing back problem.

The midfielder, 29, returned from Blues' pre-season tour of Austria after the injury flared up again and is now booked in for surgery.

"Damien's resisted it for a couple of years but now it's felt an operation is best, " boss Alex McLeish said.

"He'll be out for no less that two months," he added to the club website.

McLeish revealed that summer signing Lee Carsley will lead the side in the absence of Northern Ireland international Johnson.

"Lee has a vast knowledge of the game and is an excellent leader."

Blues begin their Championship season at home to Sheffield United on 9 August.