Double strike hero Cameron Jerome was late replacement for James McFadden

May 12 2008 By Colin Tattum

ALEX McLeish explained that James McFadden's absence from the Blues line-up was due to a determination to do his bit for the Blues cause.

McFadden was named in the team for yesterday's game against Blackburn Rovers but broke down during the warm-up.

"James has been compensating for his sore knee," said the Blues boss.

"As a result he had a tight calf over the last couple of weeks.

"Last week he was a bit jaded after Liverpool but we took a calculated gamble because of his ability to win a game.

"He's not trained until Saturday. He felt better in his head and declared himself fit but his calf felt a bit tight.

"In the warm-up he said it stiffened up and so with Blackburn's permission the referee allowed us to change the personnel on the bench."

Cameron Jerome was hurriedly drafted among the substitutes and came on to score his first Premier League goals at St Andrew's in the 4-1 win.

Jerome said he left the ground to pick up his family at New Street railway station after he was left out,  before returning.

McLeish said:  "Yes, he was angry about not being in the 16 but then no player is happy with that. When I spoke to him before the game I told him it could be his day - that can happen in football."