Neal Eardley: Birmingham City defender needs knee operation

Birmingham City summer signing Neal Eardley has been ruled out for the rest of the season after discovering that he must undergo major knee surgery.

The 24-year-old right-back limped off after 34 minutes of Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Ipswich Town.

Scans have now revealed he has ruptured his medial ligament and suffered a partial tear in his anterior cruciate ligament.

The Wales international was signed from Blackpool on a three-year deal in May.

Blues had already responded to Eardley's expected lengthy absence by bringing in last season's loan signing Paul Caddis from Swindon Town on deadline day.

Lee Clark's side are 19th in the Championship, having won just one of their first five matches.