McLeish makes a case for goals

04 January 2011 07:00

Alex McLeish is demanding Birmingham start delivering goals if they want to climb clear of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone.

Blues, who take on Blackpool at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday, have reached the halfway point of their league campaign with just 18 goals from 19 games to their name.

The former Scotland boss said: "We're looking for goals quite simply, if I can be as basic as that. It's goals that have proved elusive for our team. Chances, no, because we've made chances, but I think the goals have proved elusive."

He added: "You've got to believe in the guys and believe the guys can score the goals - and I believe there are goals in (Cameron) Jerome or (Nikola) Zigic.

"But it's not just the strikers because we're looking for goals from other areas and we are dangerous at set-pieces."

McLeish is ready to make changes given the hectic schedule ahead of Blues, including the two-legged Carling Cup semi-final with West Ham.

He is considering whether to recall on loan Barcelona playmaker Alexander Hleb to the starting line-up after two substitute appearances following his hamstring injury.

McLeish said: "I've got to consider him at some stage. We brought him back ahead of schedule last week for the Manchester United game.

"We kind of plunged him right in and he was disappointed not to start in the Arsenal game at the weekend.

"But I said 'I don't want you to go and not be at the level of the Arsenal speed and physical side of things, hobble off with another hamstring injury and I miss you for another month.' I said 'let me make sure you're right' so he's had a couple of good halves and he will be in the squad."

Source: PA