Source: Team_Talk
Larsson talks up Ferguson chances
Ferguson has been in outstanding form for Blues since his £1million switch from Rangers during the summer, forming an effective partnership with Lee Bowyer.[LNB]The 30-year-old has not represented his country since high profile off-the-field incidents during the latter part of last season with the Scottish FA declaring Ferguson would not be selected for further internationals.[LNB]But that stance has softened since the departure of George Burley as coach following Scotland's failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.[LNB]And winger Larsson has faith in Ferguson to be a key performer again for Scotland.[LNB]The Swedish international said: "At the end of the day, it comes down to what Barry wants to do regarding Scotland. It is his decision.[LNB]"But what I can say is, he has been in outstanding form for Blues since he came here.[LNB]"His experience and know-how have been a big factor in our current success.[LNB]"And, if he is able to play for Scotland again, and wants to play, then he would walk into the side given the ability he has got.[LNB]"He has done well for them in the past."[LNB]Larsson has recaptured the form that persuaded the then City boss Steve Bruce to make permanent his loan move from Arsenal two and a half years ago as he prepares for the home Boxing Day clash with Chelsea.[LNB]He has been deadly at set pieces and netted three goals in the last four games including the point-saver with Everton at Goodison Park last weekend.[LNB]But Larsson is content to deflect credit onto the back four and in particular the new centre-back partnership of Roger Johnson and Scott Dann.[LNB]He said: "The centre-backs have done brilliantly. In fact, the whole back four, and entire team have been superb defensively in most games.[LNB]"It gives you that stability when you know you've got that defence behind you and people are working hard for each other, and when you not conceding goals all the time.[LNB]"It gives you stability to move forward, definitely. Only two or three teams conceded less goals and that's the platform we need to work from and, if we can start scoring more goals, we should be able to pick up more points."[LNB]Blues are unbeaten in nine games, collecting 21 points out of a possible 27, and Larsson admitted: "Confidence is very high at the moment - and so it should be.[LNB]"We are nine games unbeaten and put in some decent performances. Even when we haven't played to our best, we have still showed good character and strength to get three points or a draw out of the games.[LNB]"All along this season, apart from a couple of games like the one at Burnley, we feel that the performances have been there.[LNB]"There are some good relationships building within the team and if we can stay fit and, hopefully in January make a few additions, we can keep progressing."[LNB]Blues boss Alex McLeish is hopeful Johnson and left-back Liam Ridgewell will be fit to face Chelsea.[LNB]Lifelong Chelsea fan Johnson (knee) and Ridgewell (ankle) were unable to train during the early part of the week but McLeish expects to field an unchanged side for the sixth successive match.[LNB][LNB]
