Roger Johnson and Scott Dann belong in the Premier League, says former Birmingham City favourite Jon McCarthy

Mar 18 2010 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

“But, hey, I’m not kidding myself from the fact that Stephen Carr and Liam Ridgewell either side of them have been key, too.

“Quite often, people talk about having experience right down the spine of your team.

‘‘There’s not experience at centre-half at this level, but either side of them, in a very narrow and compact team, are Carr and Ridgewell.

“They’re just looking after them and in front is Barry Ferguson.

‘‘That’s how McLeish has worked it.”

McCarthy, who played for Blues between 1997-2003 and lectures in sport science at Mid-Cheshire College, Northwich, said the duo get good protection.

“The fact the team has been really narrow and the four or five who work in front have been tremendous – so disciplined, rigid, patient and have the belief – has helped them,’’ he added.

“The nearest man goes and presses the ball and the next one backs him up.

‘‘That has provided a lot of protection for Johnson and Dann, but, in amongst that, they’ve been exceptional when they’ve been called upon.”