Hughes wants all his players due to play on that day released under the Fifa four-day rule ahead of Wales' Euro 2004 qualifier with Azerbaijan on 20 November.

Birmingham chairman David Gold said: "Life is all about compromise and maybe one day Mark will be looking for a favour from Birmingham City, Steve or Robbie. We do feel a bit aggrieved."

The club had a run-in with Hughes earlier this season over the dual roles of Wales assistant coach Mark Bowen.

Blues managing director Karren Brady said: "I understand Steve Bruce is trying to speak to Sir Alex. He wants to discover what options might be available to him.

"As a club, what we want is a commonsense solution. Ultimately, we want Robbie to play in the two games - for Birmingham and Wales - and we believe he can do that.

"Obviously Steve is not happy about it but, not having faced the problem in the Premier League before, it's something he is seeking clarification on from other managers affected by this."