Strikers challenged to become first choice pairing at Birmingham City

Mar 3 2008 By Colin Tattum

ALEX McLeish has challenged Mikael Forssell and James McFadden to remain his 'deadly' duo to the end of the season.

Their partnership, which showed signs of promise the first time they played together at West Ham United, devastatingly clicked on Saturday.

Forssell bagged a hat-trick, with two assists coming from McFadden, to see off Spurs in comprehensive fashion.

"We have huffed and puffed a bit in front of goal since I joined the club," said McLeish.

"McFadden has given us that extra bit of quality and I thought playing two internationals together (McFadden and Forssell) might give us something extra, two guys with great game intelligence, and so far the partnership has worked well for us.

"McFadden can stick people through, which he unselfishly did for Forssell's hat-trick.

"Forssell has got the prowess in the box. Hopefully these two can be deadly in the remainder of the season."