Kevin Phillips and Gary O'Connor back in contention for Birmingham City

Mar 20 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

GARRY O’Connor and Kevin Phillips are in manager Alex McLeish’s thoughts as the battle for places up front intensifies

Phillips has now been declared fit after seven games out due to a hamstring tear. O’Connor returned to the fold last weekend.

“Garry O’Connor figures highly in my plans for Saturday,” said McLeish.

“I’m not saying he will start. There’s a possibility. Kevin Phillips has got a possibility of starting, too.

“Carlos Costly has been in there in a couple of victories for us as well. Cameron Jerome has been in fine form.

“Somebody has got to miss out and it’s up to the players who go on the pitch to prove I’m correct in my selection choice because ultimately I get judged on that.”

Blues’ other walking wounded are getting there.

“Phillips has trained the whole week. David Murphy has trained the whole week, so he is available for selection too,’’ said McLeish.

“James McFadden, Marcus Bent, Djimi Traore, Kemy Agustien and Stuart Parnaby are training at a good level too. They’ve not joined the group yet, but after this game and the international break, I would expect most of these guys, if not all of them, to be joining the group for the preparation against Wolves.”