Birmingham City right-back Stephen Kelly will be out for up to a month with a thigh injury.

The Republic of Ireland player, 25, only returned to the starting 11 for last Saturday's defeat by Blackpool.

He had been given his chance to come back by an ankle injury to fellow defender Stuart Parnaby in the win at Bristol City on 16 September.

Fortunately for Blues, Parnaby is now fit to return for their next game against Cardiff at Ninian Park.

Manager Alex McLeish told BBC WM that Kelly had been struggling with the injury before the Blackpool game.

Parnaby's available again. We look forward to welcoming Stuart back but we're sorry to lose Stephen Birmingham boss Alex McLeish

"To Stephen's credit, although he'll maybe look back and say it wasn't the right decision, he may have been carrying it before the game last week.

"I've learned since that he was getting rubs on the treatment table every day on his thigh. As a result of playing in the game he's pulled a muscle.

"That's due to Stephen's determination to get back into the team and cement a place for himself again.

"Due to Stuart Parnaby's great form, he was finding it very difficult to oust Stuart. He got his chance through an injury, but now he's injured and it's set him back.

"Parnaby's available again. We look forward to welcoming Stuart back but we're sorry to lose Stephen."