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St. Andrew's is set to play host to some of the biggest names in world football this summer as Barcelona confirm a glamour friendly against Tom Brady's Birmingham City. The Catalan giants will head to the West Midlands as part of their pre-season preparations, marking a significant coup for the Championship outfit and their high-profile ownership regime.

Jude Bellingham has faced accusations of arrogance as his profile continues to soar at Real Madrid, but those who saw his emergence first-hand are quick to defend the England superstar. Former Birmingham City team-mate David Davis has opened up on the midfielder’s early days, insisting that what some mistake for conceit is actually the essential self-belief required to reach the pinnacle of the game.

Everything you need to know about the race for promotion to the Premier League.

Birmingham City forward Marvin Ducksch has been told by a magistrate that he is "lucky to be alive" after pleading guilty to drink-driving following a serious three-car collision. The German international, who joined the club last summer, was handed a 14-month driving ban and ordered to pay over £20,000 in fines and compensation after an incident on Easter Monday.