Birmingham City strike force still has the power, says Alex McLeish

Feb 3 2010 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

ALEX McLeish has outlined his belief that Birmingham City will not be left short of attacking options during the remainder of the season.

As the debate about no new signings on transfer deadline day rumbles on, McLeish said he had faith in his strike force.

And the Blues boss predicted Kevin Phillips would probably play a bigger part than he has done so far this campaign.

“We have got ourselves into a good position in the league and we know there is still a lot of hard work to be done,” he said.

“Now the window has shut, we move on with these players and we all have to recognise what they have done so far and place our faith in them to reproduce their performances again.

“Cameron Jerome and Christian Benitez have formed a very good partnership for us during the unbeaten run.

“And we have James McFadden who can play up front. It is not a position he is uncomfortable with.

“With Kevin Phillips, too, we have four very good strikers there.

‘‘Although Garry O’Connor is still injured, we have to trust these guys to go through to the end of the season.”

Phillips is on the mend from a groin tear and McLeish said the various calls he received from agents about other strikers made him realise what he had on the doorstep.

“I had numerous players put into me who had a reputation in the game, who were in their 30s,’’ he said.

“I thought ‘hang on a minute, I’ve got Kevin Phillips here’. He’s still a terrific player.

“Because of the way we have played, he hasn’t really had a look-in and he’s naturally disappointed he hasn’t figured as much as he would have liked.

“But there is every chance Kevin will see more game-time and make a contribution.