Alex McLeish spoilt for choice at Birmingham City FC

Apr 3 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Post

It has to be tempting for McLeish, and the way McFadden performed at Molineux in November’s 1-1 draw – his best display of the season – will doubtless be considered.

However, Cameron Jerome has been carrying the fight very well in attack, and Garry O’Connor and Kevin Phillips – the latter now ready to start following his lay-off – are further down the line in terms of fitness.

Now Marcus Bent has also returned from injury. He played in a private friendly at Wast Hills on Tuesday, and let’s not forget that Carlos Costly scored twice for Honduras in their 3-1 win over Mexico in midweek. McFadden is able to play on the flanks as well as a primary or support striker, so his versatility could well get him the nod, probably among the substitutes.

As far as McLeish is concerned, having the headache itself is a welcome feeling.

“We’ve had more than our fair share of injuries to important players this season,” he said. “It’s been difficult for us, and a bit ironic when people at the start of the season asked why were we carrying five strikers.

“All being well, we’ve now got players coming back into it and available for selection. It gives me a problem in terms of who to pick, but it’s a problem I would rather have than not.”

Djimi Traore also played in the friendly, and Stuart Parnaby and Kemy Agustien are making headway with their injuries too.