Mauro Zarate stakes his claim for a place at Birmingham City

Mar 28 2008 By Colin Tattum

JAMES McFadden's absence should be viewed as a blow that can be over-come - and an opportunity for others.

And Mauro Zarate stands to gain the most from McFadden's knee injury.

Andy Watson said Birmingham City had been creating chances of late, and needed someone to pick up the mantle from McFadden, who scored four goals in his last four starts.

"In just about most games we've been scoring," said the joint first team coach. "We have been creating these chances and if you do that, then you are always in a game and can possibly win it.

"It was a blow to lose James, but it's an opportunity for other players to come in. Mauro Zarate came in at Reading and got his first goal for the club, we hope that that's the start of good things to come from Mauro."