Source: Team_Talk
McLeish: Fringe men slotted in well
The Blues boss had named the same starting line-up for the last eight Premier League fixtures.[LNB]But he opted to make five changes at the City Ground on Saturday, with Stuart Parnaby in for the suspended Stephen Carr, while Keith Fahey, Damien Johnson, Gregory Vignal and Kevin Phillips also got rare starts.[LNB]Asked about the changes and whether it was an indication of his priorities lying elsewhere, McLeish, whose side sit eighth in the Premier League after an 11-match unbeaten run, said: "Not really because they were enforced.[LNB]"Carr was suspended, (James) McFadden was a bit tight on his hamstring and Scott Dann had a bit of tenderness in his knee.[LNB]"Maybe it could be seen as a calculated risk to keep the momentum going if it was a Premier League game but I feel we have enough experience and ability in reserve to come in and they slotted in very well.[LNB]"I understand they are perhaps lacking a bit of match practice but that didn't stop those players coming in and giving us everything.[LNB]"Kevin (Phillips) came in and looked dangerous and could have had a couple of goals.[LNB]"I would have liked to have won it, but Forest had a lot to say about that.[LNB]"They had their chances and we also had our chances, but we'll take the draw. We're still in the cup."[LNB]Carsley and Parnaby were forced off through injury in the first half.[LNB]McLeish believes that disrupted Birmingham's momentum but again the Scot was pleased with how his players responded.[LNB]He added: "The two injuries were disastrous for us and it shows the fragility of the squad.[LNB]"Carsley caught his studs in the turf. We are concerned about that one and we won't really have an idea about how bad it is until he is scanned on Monday morning.[LNB]"Stuart had a recurring back problem. It ceased up and his moving was restricted. He was clearly in distress and we had to get him off.[LNB]"But we got away with it and the lads that came into the team can be pleased with how they performed."[LNB]The hosts had the opportunities to win the game and striker Robert Earnshaw spurned a glorious chance when he put a 62nd-minute penalty over the crossbar.[LNB]Luke Chambers hit the woodwork for Forest and Chris Cohen wasted a one-on-one opportunity.[LNB]Forest boss Billy Davies pointed to the penalty miss as the pivotal moment in the game.[LNB]Referee Steve Bennett had no choice but to point to the spot after Gregory Vignal tripped Paul Anderson but Earnshaw blazed his effort into the stand.[LNB]However, Davies refused to blame the Wales international for Forest's failure to win the game.[LNB]"It was the turning point, without a doubt," said Davies. "His run up was too casual, but he's been brilliant for us this season.[LNB]"But that's his style - that's how he takes penalties and you can't go changing a player's decision about how he takes penalties.[LNB]"It was too complacent for me but like I said, he's been brilliant for this football club and you have to take the good with the bad."[LNB][LNB]
