Alex McLeish happy that Birmingham City have enough experience

May 2 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

ALEX McLeish reckons Blues have enough wily experience to cope with the demands of tomorrow’s all-or-nothing match at Reading.

Of the likely starting line-up, just January signing Keith Fahey, in his first English season, is a novice. Yet he’s aged 26.

“You’re governed by the boys who go on the pitch but they have to turn up for their work and give their very best level – every one of them,” said the manager.

“You need great individual performances that lead to ultimately the team performance. Definitely character is required; people who are unfazed and the experience in the dressing room should help in that respect as well.

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“We’ve had great breakthrough players like Keith Fahey who has done exceptionally, they’ve been real bonuses for us this season, so there’s pretty much a good mix in there.”

McLeish added: “I can look at every one of their faces and know the type of guy that will freeze and I’m sure I’ve got that character in there, and they’re all capable. I think last week there was a bit of tension and the fact that Preston had to go all out to win the game made them dangerous.

“This week it’s time for the nitty gritty and for the talk to stop. The psychology side of things all goes out the window.”