Kilbane in race against time

Kilbane is hoping to overcome the shoulder injury which forced him to miss the Republic of Ireland's game in Greece on Wednesday night in time for the clash with Birmingham at the Stadium of Light.

"I've had the injury since the Tottenham game when I fell awkwardly," Kilbane told the club's website.

"It was sore after Sunday's game against Liverpool but I'm hoping it'll be alright.

"The way things are going I don't really want to miss out. I'm enjoying my football at the moment.

"We're in the middle of a good run at the moment and things are going well for me."

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