Birmingham City v Wolves: Blues legend hails return of Liam Ridgewell

Apr 6 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

Liam Ridgewell

LIAM Ridgewell’s return to the Blues side has been described as a major plus by Joe Gallagher.

The former Blues’ defensive favourite is a big fan of the vice-captain, who recovered from a groin injury two games ago.

“It’s good to see Liam Ridgewell back,” he said. “Okay, he has made the odd mistake in his career, and paid for it, but he’s been Blues’ most consistent defender this season.

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“I’d prefer to have him in my side as he’s done a great job. He just gets on with it and does what defenders should do.

“With him in there again, it will stand Blues in good stead for the last six games.”

At the back for Wolves, the reintroduction of Jody Craddock alongside Christophe Berra has provided more solidity, as four clean sheets in five games testifies.

Gallagher, a Blues stalwart between 1972-1981 who also had an ill-fated spell at Wolves, said: “I’ve not seen Berra, but he’s come in and obviously made a difference. And with Craddock, you know what you are going to get.

“At right-back, the lad Kevin Foley is one of the best I’ve seen in the division.

“Wolves have a good side. They are young, enthusiastic, tackle, harry, chase.