Birmingham City rookie duo told to pocket the best
Feb 27 2010 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail
ALEX McLeish has backed his rookie defenders to keep on producing the goods.
Most people tended to rave about Bobby Zamora in the Fulham game and how he gave Roger Johnson and Scott Dann a tough time.
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But the Blues pair, both of whom had not played in the top flight before this season, should not be discounted.
They have underpinned what remains a marvellous campaign for McLeish’s men following promotion.
“That was a great test for the centre-halves,” said McLeish.
“Roger Johnson and Scott Dann didn’t do too badly against Bobby Zamora. He was good, but that’s the level they are going to have to overcome if they want to go to the very top.
“And I know these two boys do want to go to the every top.
“So they’re going to have to overcome the Zamoras and put them in their pockets – him and others of similar standard, higher even – to fulfil aspirations to the next level.
“Roger is his own worst critic. Scott is the same. They are great types and I know they are always raring to go for the next game.”
In the previous Premier League game, at West Ham United, Carlton Cole also proved a handful for the Blues defence.
“They have adapted brilliantly to playing in the Premier League and have quite rightly earned the plaudits,” said McLeish.
“But Roger and Scott know that it’s about doing it week in, week out, against these sort of players – and then again the next season, and the season after that.”
Meanwhile, McLeish revealed that midfielder Barry Ferguson has not yet shut the door on a Scotland return.
He was omitted from the squad for the friendly against Czech Republic on Wednesday.
“Craig Levein decided to give Barry more time.
“He came down here [to Wast Hills] and he met with him. They have been communicating quite regular. Craig is trying to get inside his head to get him back.
“He’s said he will leave him out of this one until he has made a final decision.”
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