Expectations are high amongst the blue half of the second city, who are demanding nothing less than an instant return to the top flight following relegation last season.

Dealing with the hype has proved a millstone around the neck of many a relegated Premiership outfit over the years – a case in point being Sheffield United and Charlton, but the signs are that Alex McLeish's Blues are the real deal.

Certainly if their early results are anything to go by, with the Blues currently riding high at the top of the table along with Wolves and Preston on the back of three wins and a draw from their opening four fixtures.

Up front, City are looking the part with veteran goalpoacher Kevin Phillips netting three league goals – the entire amount managed by Rovers so far – and fellow striker Garry O'Connor having plundered the same amount in all competitions.

And it promises to be the tallest of orders for Rovers at St Andrews, where the Blues have seen their colours lowered just once since November 24 last year.That came when mighty Chelsea triumphed 1-0 in January.

Not that Rovers aren't relishing the encounter with the game firmly bringing home what playing Championship football means and what they fought so hard to achieve last season.

Wellens said: "Birmingham made a good start and I'll be surprised if they are not in the top two at the end of the season.

"Their strikers have all played in the Premier League and I would imagine with the wage bill and the resources they have got – and the Premiership parachute money as well – that they'll be near the top.

"Everyone is looking forward to playing the teams that have come down from the Premiership, but there's so many good games, really. There's 16 teams in the Championship who have been in the Premier League at some time.

"So we know what we are dealing with. There's a lot of big grounds and clubs who average 20,000 plus. We went to Derby, which was a fantastic ground and Birmingham will be the same.

"I'd prefer to play at Derby and Birmingham than at Northampton, Cheltenham or Yeovil. So you don't need to get motivated or be up for it – you are up for it as soon as you see the ground."

Sean O'Driscoll has bolstered his squad with Thailand international goalkeeper Jamie Waite, who has arrived at the Keepmoat on a non-contract basis.

Waite, recommended to O'Driscoll by ex-Rovers player Barry Richardson, was released by Bradford in the summer.