James McFadden forced to bide his time

Jul 14 2008 From Colin Tattum IN WESTENDORF, AUSTRIA

JAMES McFadden will again sit it out as Blues embark on their second friendly of pre-season tonight.

McFadden missed the game at Wast Hills against Hereford United on Thursday due to a swollen knee.

"His knee was puffy last week in training and he cannot play," said Alex McLeish.

"Because he came back so quickly for us last season (after surgery), there's been a little reaction due to all the hard running he has undergone.

"I have to say his application has been superb and he's done really well. But he has just felt a slight twinge so we have taken precautions."

Blues face Kirchberg tonight in Westendorf before taking on Czech Republic outfit Viktoria Plzen in St Johann on Thursday and then FC Nurnberg in Zell am See on Sunday.

* It was Forss 10 for Hannover as ex-Blues' star Mikael Forssell scored 10 goals in his side's 23-0 demolition of amateurs FC Boffzen on his debut on Saturday.

Forssell is due here next week to face Steve Bruce as Wigan are also on tour in Austria.