Gary O'Connor tantalisingly close to Birmingham City return - McLeish

Feb 28 2009 by Andy Walker, Birmingham Mail

BLUES boss Alex McLeish admits that he didn’t envisage just how much he would miss Garry O’Connor – but added that there’s finally light at the end of the tunnel.

O’Connor has been sidelined with a groin problem since the end of October and Blues are currently in desperate need of a repeat of the striker’s goal-scoring feats before his injury hit.

McLeish admits O’Connor’s loss has been a bigger blow than first thought but revealed the ex-Hibernian man is tantalisingly close to a comeback.

“Hopefully we have a wee bit of light at the end of the tunnel with Garry O’Connor,” said McLeish.

“A couple of weeks ago he was struggling a bit with his groin, he was restricted with it and a bit down. He has seen a specialist since and he’s had an injection and I see a smile back on his face.

“He joined back on the training ground with us on Friday and I know he lacks match fitness, but if he’s at a good level of fitness, I would get him involved in the grand scheme of things as soon as possible.

“I probably didn’t envisage how much he would miss him.

“He’s two-footed, not got lightening-fast pace but he’s quick, a handful and he’s good in the air.

“He’s a good footballer. He’s one of the best finishers in training.”