Source: PA
McFadden getting nearer to return
Birmingham forward James McFadden has taken the first steps on the comeback trail - and could return to action with Scotland at the end of the campaign.
The former Everton player suffered knee ligament damage in late August and was expected to be side-lined until the 2011-2012 campaign.
But he has made encouraging progress with his rehabilitation and has participated in a practice match.
Blues manager Alex McLeish is pessimistic about McFadden's chances of playing at senior club level this season but representing his country in the Carling Nations Cup tournament is a possibility.
McLeish said: "James has joined the young players in training and played in a small sided game with them on Monday.
"Now it just depends on the reactions to his knee. I would think hopefully we can get over the line and he can make some kind of appearance before the end of the season."
