Back to business for Sebastian Larsson and James McFadden

Sep 11 2008 By Colin Tattum

WHEN James McFadden and Sebastian Larsson return to the Blues fold today following international duty, Alex McLeish expects them to be in a perfect frame of mind.

The summer transfer window shut without both of the club’s prized assets moving on.

McLeish said there would be no grumbles from either about still having to do their thing in the Championship.

“They have definitely been committed, since we returned,” the Blues manager said.

 “Seb, though, took a wee while to get his head round it [the club’s ‘not for sale’ stance].

“He came back in training one Monday, the week after the season started, towards the Southampton game, and we said ‘Seb Larsson’s back!’

“You could see it, the smile was there, the enthusiasm, the worry lines on the face had disappeared. He has looked like himself again.

“There was speculation with James as well, but he handled everything like a professional and gave his all.

“David Sullivan and the board were strong, they weren’t going to let them go, and it would have needed to have been something silly for us to even contemplate it.”