Source: Team_Talk
Blues boss hails courageous Carr
Alex McLeish has praised Birmingham captain Stephen Carr for his courage in defying a broken toe to figure in the opening weeks of the season.[LNB] Carr needed daily injections to ensure he was fit enough to play in City's opening five Premier League games.[LNB]He was rested for the midweek Carling Cup win over MK Dons but will return for Saturday's home league clash with Wigan.[LNB]McLeish said: "Stephen has been taking injections for the past month every day. It is ridiculous the pain he is enduring.[LNB]"To endure the injections alone is quite a feat because these cortisones go right in deep and it is quite a tender area on his little toe.[LNB]"Stevie has still been playing to a high standard in training and in games.[LNB]"Unfortunately a wee bit of indecision cost us a goal at the weekend against West Brom. But it is very rare you see him make a mistake."[LNB]McLeish is hoping the forthcoming two-week international break will allow Carr's injury to heal.[LNB]He said: "It is difficult to get respite. We have tried to rest him in between games.[LNB]"But he is the type of boy who doesn't want to miss training so you are in a bit of a Catch-22 situation.[LNB]"Hopefully the international break will give him a chance to heal properly."[LNB]McLeish is encouraged to have striker Kevin Phillips back at his disposal after recovering from a torn thigh muscle.[LNB]He made his comeback in the final 20 minutes against MK Dons and looked sharp.[LNB]McLeish said: "It doesn't matter if Kevin gets on for only a couple of minutes. He will always try to get a shot away.[LNB]"You saw the man's hunger for goals, you've seen it all of his career, and he got into some bright positions against MK Dons."[LNB]Phillips signed a new one-year contract in the summer after showing his worth as an impact player from the bench last season.
