Alex McLeish: I need to be sure about Kevin-Prince Boateng

Sep 16 2008 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

ALEX McLeish has revealed he wants to be absolutely sure Kevin-Prince Boateng would not be a ‘reluctant conscript’ to the Blues cause.

Blues have been given permission by Spurs to take the midfielder on loan after rounds of negotiations between MD Karren Brady and Daniel Levy, the White Hart Lane chairman.

Now it’s up to the Blues boss to judge whether Boateng would be fully committed to the move, which is with a view to a permanent transfer.

McLeish has spoken briefly with the midfielder on the phone and is keen to meet him face-to-face once tonight’s game at Bristol City is out of the way.

“I can confirm our interest in Kevin, I think it’s well known now,” McLeish told the Birmingham Mail. “Karren has been talking to Spurs for days and there’s something there to be done.

“Kevin’s been back in Germany and I’ve not really had the chance to speak to him properly yet, which is something I need to do.

“When I bring in a player to this club, I need to know that he wants to play for Birmingham City, that he wants to fight for the cause and is not a reluctant conscript.

“Kevin is not in the Spurs first team but he would have an opportunity to relaunch his career here, a chance to be a star.

“If he looks at the loan and just thinks he might as well come because it’s better than playing in the reserves then, of course, that’s no good from our point of view.

“I really need to get a feel for the boy, see it in the whites of his eyes, and that’s why nothing has happened yet.”

McLeish watched Boateng for Spurs’ reserves at Villa a week last night and has done exhaustive background checks on his character because the former German under-21 cap has a reputation for being brash and difficult to deal with.

Yet McLeish acknowledges his footballing ability, sees a need for Blues to bolster their ranks in the centre of park, particularly as Mehdi Nafti now begins a three-match suspension, and hopes Boateng would be up for the challenge.

He doesn’t figure in coach Jaunde Ramos’s plans and has not been llocated a Spurs squad number this season.

Nigel Quashie, of West Ham United, is still working out at Wast Hills with Blues contemplating his loan, subject to reaching full fitness.

Meanwhile, Garry O’Connor is back in the squad for tonight’s trip to Ashton Gate (7.45) after recovering from a groin injury.

Kemy Agustien could be in line to replace Nafti. And Gary McSheffrey could be pushing for a recall after missing out on the 16 for Doncaster.

Agustien can play either in the centre of the park or wide right, where McLeish took a good look at him for the reserves last week.

After Nafti’s dismissal against Doncaster, Sebastian Larsson moved across from the flank to partner Lee Carsley in the centre of the park.

Quincy’s form and reaction to being substituted could open the door for McSheffrey again, while James McFadden is vying to return to the starting line-up.

BLUES (from): Maik Taylor, Parnaby, Kelly, Murphy, Martin Taylor, Ridgewell, Larsson, Carsley, Agustien, Mutch, Quincy, McSheffrey, McFadden, Phillips, Jerome, Bent, O’Connor, Krysiak.