Tony Mowbray: Now we must prove ourselves

Dec 24 2008 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail

Balde back on agenda as Blues step up hunt

ALEX McLeish today admitted that he remains keen to sign a centre-half – and Bobo Balde is back on the radar.

The Celtic outcast was a target in the summer but opted to remain in Glasgow, disappointing not only his club and Blues, but Wolves and Sunderland also.

Blues offered a two-year deal to the Guinea stopper – Celtic were prepared to let him leave on a free as his contract runs out this summer – but internal wrangling over severance payments and other issues meant he stayed put.

He kept Blues waiting for an answer and their patience also began to wear thin.

With the January window looming, McLeish has been testing the water again and looking at various other candidates to come in.

“I don’t rule anything out in football,” said McLeish when asked about new Balde links.

“I have wanted to strengthen at centre-half since I’ve come into the club. I’ve not been able to do