James McFadden praises Birmingham City FC fans

Apr 9 2009 by Andy Walker, Birmingham Mail

“The fans have been quite critical at times and quite rightly so but Monday showed what happens when the fans are behind you.”

McFadden’s appearance as a half-time substitute during the recent 2-0 victory ended a 10 week lay-off for the forward.

And while it has been a long-wait, McFadden insists that he would have been foolish to rush back from the knock he sustained to the medial ligaments in his left knee against Derby.

“I’m delighted to be back, the physio done a great job as I’ve come back and had no problems in training or anything. I’m very grateful to the physio for looking after me,’’ he said.

“It was a long spell out but it was one of these ones where it had to be right for me to come back. I could have pushed to get back earlier but the physio has done it right.

‘‘He said it would be eight weeks and I had to have a little operation on my cartilage which knocked me back another week.

“I feel fit but I need match fitness and it’s not there yet. It was a great time to come on (against Wolves) when you are winning games and you are tired it is still a great feeling but when you lose it’s different.

“It’s good to get on and get the win but personally for myself to get back and get a bit of fitness. Hopefully I can push to get in the team for the run in.”