Source: Daily_Mail
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish ready to throw Christian Benitez in at the deep end
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is poised to hand a first Barclays Premier Leaguestart to striker Christian Benitez in Sunday's Second City derby with AstonVilla at St Andrew's.
Benitez, signed on an initial season-long loan from Santos Laguna, hasimpressed as a substitute during the opening phase of the season.
The Ecuador international has gradually been gaining full fitness afterundergoing shoulder surgery at the beginning of the summer.
And McLeish is intimating he will promote him to the first XI for the clashwith Martin O'Neill's side.
The former Scotland boss said: "I've felt in recent weeks that Christian wasmore effective as an impact player.
"But that may change in a week's time (against Villa). If I can't play him athome, then I will never play him.
"I am pleased with his introduction so far and we have worked hard on hisfitness.
"When he came here, he was behind the rest - along with Giovanny Espinoza - infitness terms.
"Christian is at a good level now and looking dangerous and I think he isgoing to be a great acquisition to the club."
McLeish will check on Benitez's physical condition when he comes back from aWorld Cup double header with his country before making a final decision.
He was in action in Colombia at the weekend and Ecuador will tackle Bolivia in midweek.
