Birmingham City bring in left-back as more signings lined up
“So we know we’ve got to address these issues. I want to try and move things after the Gijon game.
“I think the board definitely know that we need these positions sorted out, they are absolute necessities.
“And I feel that we need another midfielder with passing powers and also energy. Michel fills the bill for that, as do one or two players who I have on the radar as well.”
Gijon expect the Michel saga to be sorted one way or another this weekend.
McLeish said: “We’re not miles down the road with it yet. The clubs haven’t started talking or anything.
“I have just said that I’m interested. Whether the club back me to buy him is another matter. We have to still go over that particular bridge.”
McLeish admitted that he might have to wheel and deal this coming week in order to generate funds.
“It could mean that some players who feel they are not going to get a regular game here move on. But that’s what happens in football.”
The foreign market will also be of interest to McLeish as he is only allowed one more domestic loan.
The roll call of defensive crocks makes for pretty horrific reading.
Liam Ridgewell is a long term absentee due to a broken leg, Martin Taylor is out for up to three months after damaging his ankle at Nottingham Forest.
Scott Dann has a groin and thigh niggle and has not figured since Dagenham & Redbridge while Giovanny Espinoza is not yet in optimum condition.
David Murphy (fractured kneecap) could return in about four weeks, McLeish said.
At Crewe Alexandra, Franck Queudrue - another who is lacking full fitness - was pressed into emergency action at centre-half and when he was withdrawn Lee Carsley filled the breach.
That is not a future option, said McLeish, who has first-year pro Jacob Rowe in the squad again today.
“I knew he would have the guts, have boots will travel - that’s Carsley for you.”
But McLeish has toyed with using a centre-forward to help out at the back.
“Listen, it’s crossed my mind. I did think about somebody like Garry O’Connor, who’s big, rugged ugly and daft,” smiled McLeish.
