Scott Parker faces test against football friend Lee Bowyer

Lee Bowyer is now Birmingham’s boss after a three-year, Championship promotion-winning stint with Charlton Athletic – although they did go straight back down to the third division.

Almost a year later, the 44-year-old resigned to join the Blues and replace Aitor Karanka – but Parker has known the gaffer since his youth football ages when they both progressed through the Addicks’ ranks.

They both played together at several teams, and have followed the path into management around a similar time with Parker getting his first job in 2019, Bowyer in 2018, and both moving to a new club for the first time in 2021.

Speaking ahead of the Championship clash, Parker recalled: “I remember looking up to Lee because obviously he was a player that was in a similar position, got in the first team (at Charlton) at a very young age and then moved on to Leeds.

“He was someone I definitely looked up to and then was privileged enough to play with, played in the same team at West Ham and Newcastle. He’s done very, very well and I’m very close with him.

Birmingham City manager Lee Bowyer

“Since we’ve both gone into management we have regular conversations and I’ve spoken to him on a few occasions regarding things. So he’s done very well. His Charlton team caused battles with us when I was at Fulham.

“We had some real battles and it was a very good, well-organised team. He certainly knows what he’s doing, so it will be a big challenge for us in midweek.”

Bowyer and the Blues started the 2021-22 Championship campaign with a huge 1-0 win away to recently relegated Sheffield United, with a solitary strike from the head of Maxime Colin

They then progressed without a hitch in the Carabao Cup, dispatching Colchester United by the same scoreline before drawing 0-0 with an impressive looking Stoke City on their return to league action.

Having yet to concede a goal, Cherries will face a task unlocking them – especially as they’ll be without suspended David Brooks.

Philip Billing scored a late winner in a thrilling 3-2 clash at Vitality Stadium the last time these two met, back in February, and with his goalscoring run of three in three you probably wouldn’t bet against him being the man for the job again.

Phillip Billing netted the winner the last time these two sides met

On the Blues’ start, Parker said: “Big results really. The first one was a massive result against Sheffield United.

“And then again at the weekend was a good, solid performance really. We have a big challenge. There’s an experienced side there.

“The personnel, their team, it’s a team of wise footballers, good quality and players who have been around this division.

“There’s a big challenge ahead of us on Wednesday, but one which we’re relishing and one which we’re looking forward to taking them on and hopefully we’re going to put in a performance, put our stamp on the game and get the three points.”