Source: Team_Talk
Blues boss wants 'top-class' Hleb
Alex McLeish has urged Alexander Hleb to "maintain his reputation" as a top-class player after an indifferent start to his Birmingham loan.[LNB] Hleb has struggled for fitness since his temporary switch from Barcelona in August and has failed to make a significant contribution.[LNB]He has been left out of the City starting line-up for the last two matches with Stoke and Manchester City and is unhappy with the situation.[LNB]McLeish said: "Alexander wasn't happy at not playing and I was delighted he wasn't happy.[LNB]"I'd hate to think that a player of his calibre at this stage of his career doesn't want to make an impact any more.[LNB]"He should be wanting to maintain his reputation as a top-class player, a world-class player."[LNB]McLeish added: "He started to look like the player we know he can be when he came on at Man City.[LNB]"We have to get him top fit. He's had injuries, he's missed training.[LNB]"He's a guy who has got to be in our team most weeks, unless I do something tactically.[LNB]"But he can bring a level where it can help us create chances."
