Birmingham star facing kidnap despair

Birmingham City's Wilson Palacios (L) tries to intercept the ball bound for Manchester United's Carlos Tevez during a Premier League match in September 2007. Birmingham have confirmed that Palacios' 15-year-old brother has been kidnapped in Honduras.

The 15-year-old brother of Birmingham's Honduran midfielder Wilson Palacios has been kidnapped in the central American country, the English club revealed on Wednesday.

Police are currently attempting to secure the release of the boy, Edwin Rene, and his elder brother was in constant contact with his family, according to a statement on Birmingham's website.

"The matter is being dealt with capably by the Honduran police, therefore Wilson is staying in the UK in the hope that his brother will be returned to his family soon.

"Wilson has the club's permission to return back to Honduras at any time, if he so wishes."

The 24-year-old international arrived at the Blues on loan in August, although there is a deal in place to make his switch from Honduran club Olimpia permanent.

Palacios was signed on the recommendation of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger after a trial with the Gunners and has made six appearances so far for Steve Bruce's team.