Birmingham City: Alex McLeish grateful for international break

Mar 23 2009 By Andy Walker

“There could be the possibility of three or four more players being available (for the Wolves game). I guess it will be a case of fitting them in. We have to look at the performances of everybody against Norwich and decide whether the other players are fit enough to be in the reckoning. It’s obviously up for grabs because I think a lot of the players weren’t at their top level against Norwich.”

Top scorer Kevin Phillips was one player to make a welcome return from his hamstring injury against Norwich on Saturday. The evergreen striker received a warm reception from the St Andrew’s faithful when he arrived as a 69th minute substitute for another fit again forward Garry O’Connor.

Phillips almost grabbed a dramatic injury-time winner only to see his close range header tipped over the bar by Norwich goalkeeper David Marshall.

Now, as with his other returning players, McLeish faces a welcome selection dilemma.

“Kevin is the top scorer and he has worked his magic on a few occasions for us this season,” added McLeish.

“Unfortunately we didn’t get great service to him (against Norwich) although he again, typical Kevin, produced something out of nothing with a header and beat (Gary) Doherty who is about eight inches bigger than him and that shows you Kevin’s prowess in the box.

“I’m pleased to have him back in the fold and I’ve got to look at some way of getting my top scorer back in the team.”