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

Mar 20 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

O’Connor says he is desperate to carry on where he left off. He was Blues’ in-form player when he had to succumb to groin surgery at the end of October.

Now he’s back, and itching to make up for lost time.

“It’s been frustrating being out for so long,” said the Scottish international, “but hopefully I can get back to something like I was before quite quickly.

“There are seven games left and I really want to make a contribution, get in the team and start scoring again.

“I’m coming back into a good team, a confident team.

“At Doncaster Rovers the other week I felt quite pleased, it was a good test, and my groins were fine.

“I will leave it in the gaffer’s hands now but I’m definitely hungry and fresh.

“The fans need to be a little bit patient with me because of the injury but they can be sure I will be trying really hard, I am feeling sharper and sharper by the day.”

O’Connor had scored five goals and formed an intelligent, elusive partnership with Phillips before he was sidelined. He got through 25 minutes at Doncaster as a substitute after 25 games out.