Alex McLeish is prepared to switch Stephen Kelly

Apr 4 2008 By Colin Tattum

ALEX McLeish said he would not be wary of moving Stephen Kelly across from right-back to centre-half tomorrow.

But he stressed that Martin Taylor and Rafael Schmitz were also in contention to replace Franck Queudrue, who has joined Liam Ridgewell on the suspended list.

Stuart Parnaby came on at right-back and Kelly then partnered Radhi Jaidi in the middle following Queudrue's misdemeanour.

"I must say I was satisfied with the back four that finished there after Franck got sent-off," said the Blues boss. "Stephen Kelly looked comfortable, as he did when we shifted him there in the Arsenal game as well.

"But I'm keeping the options open. Tiny came through the reserves the other night with flying colours. Rafa's attitude has been absolutely magnificent in the reserves and training. He's a terrific example for any young players to follow."

Schmitz is the only natural left-footer, but has been ignored since the end of January.

McLeish said he was mindful of taking away Kelly's effectiveness in his normal role.

"We don't want to be disrupting the momentum too much," he added.