Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish is ready to give record signing Christian Benitez a first start tonight against Carling Cup opponents Southampton.

He said: "Benitez is still an unknown quantity, coming in from South America, but he is looking a real prospect.

"The crowd were excited by his introduction against Stoke on Saturday. That is another 30 minutes under his belt and he will play at Southampton and is probably going to be ready to start the game."