Playmaker Fabbrini gives gaffer a boost for tough Norwich test

BLUES playmaker Diego Fabbrini is expected to be available to face Norwich City this weekend.

The Italian was forced to sit out Saturday’s difficult 3-1 derby defeat to Wolves after pulling up in training on Friday.

But Gary Rowett said he didn’t think the injury was anything major.

The manager said: “He felt his back tighten up in training on Friday and he had to miss out, unfortunately. I don’t think it’s too serious, it was just a little bit stiff.”

Fabbrini has started just one game this term, the first match of the new campaign at home to Cardiff. He was an unused substitute at Leeds and Wigan but was sorely missed on Saturday when Blues replaced Che Adams and had to chase the game.

Meanwhile, captain Michael Morrison has set his sights on leading Blues out when Villa visit St Andrew’s in October.

The reliable centre-back expressed his delight at signing a contract extension, which will keep him at the club at least until 2019.

But having played every league game last season, his view is rather more short-term – although there is one fixture the 28-year-old is already looking forward to.

“I would like to carry on playing in the team, for sure,” said Morrison. “If I could have another ever-present season that would be really pleasing. It just depends whether I can not get silly bookings now.

“I think everybody looks over their shoulder, we have got a lot of competition throughout the team. I want to play as many games as I can. I want to captain that game when we play Villa.

“It might not be this season, it might not be next season but there’s a general evolution in the club and I think everything is there for us to progress and step forward.”