Monday Dec 17 2007 11:11
Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish thinks Mikael Forssell can grab the goals that ensure the club avoids relegation this season.
The 26-year-old Finland international has been dogged by knee injuries in the last three years but looked sharp in the weekend draw with Reading, scoring the Blues' goal.
McLeish said: "I tried to buy Mikael when he went back to Chelsea after the one season on loan with Birmingham. We were keen at Rangers to gazump Birmingham but it just didn't happen.
"I think Mikael had such an affection for this club and he wanted to come back here.
"I've seen him in international football - and we got an international type performance against Reading from Mikael. We just hope we can keep him fit because he is very important to the squad.
"We definitely are looking to Mikael to be a big player for us."
Forssell has a good scoring record for City, scoring 31 times in 68 starts and 30 substitute appearances for the club.
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