Gianfranco Zola still has the full backing of the Birmingham City board, despite his record of just one win in his 14 games in charge.

Birmingham’s new Chinese owner Paul Suen appointed Zola four months ago, after the shock sacking of Gary Rowett.

Saturday’s 4-1 home defeat to QPR has raised more question marks about Zola’s future, but it’s understood Birmingham’s bosses feel there were mitigating circumstances in that defeat, with six Blues players absent through injury or suspension.

There are no emergency talks planned, and Zola’s future is not an issue Suen wants to discuss. Birmingham play Wolves in the West Midlands derby on Friday night.