Tony Mowbray 'getting stronger' after health scare as Birmingham assistant confirms ex Celtic and Hibs boss is on the mend

Birmingham City boss boss Tony Mowbray is "getting stronger" after an operation, according to his assistant manager Mark Venus.

Former Celtic and Hibs manage Mowbray was only appointed in the dugout last month but took a break from his job 10 days ago to get treatment for a health problem. But at a pre-match press conference ahead of the Blues Championship clash at home to Southampton on Saturday, his number two Venus has given an encouraging update on the 60-year-old's situation.

He said: "I have had a chat with him every day to be honest. A little update: he's had his surgery and everything's fine. He's getting stronger, so he is on the way back hopefully. I'm not saying immediately, but it's been nice hearing him and chatting to him. It's given us a bit of confidence. I gave the lads a little update from him this morning (Thursday). They all asked, they kept asking. We are keeping everyone up to date with it. He's getting stronger."

After last weekend's 3-1 loss at Ipswich, Venus was put in temporary charge, with the Brum sitting just three points above the English second tier's relegation zone in 18th place.

Since succeeding ex-England and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney last month, Moway has won four, lost three and drew one of his eight games in all competitions.

His last game in charge was a 2-1 win over his old team Sunderland, who sacked Mowbray in December. That win against the Black Cats was also the catalyst for Sunderland to part company with ex Rangers manager Michael Beale.