Birmingham City FC

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• Manager:Alex McLeish

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Phillips offered McLeish backing

03 Feb 2010 - 10:52:14

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Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has backed veteran striker Kevin Phillips to play a big part for the Blues during the second half of the Premier League campaign.

The 36-year-old has been a bit-part player for City so far this season, but has now overcome a groin injury and is expected to feature more often after McLeish's efforts to sign a new striker came to nothing.

McLeish told the Birmingham Mail: "I had numerous players put into me who had a reputation in the game, who were in their 30s.

"I thought 'hang on a minute, I've got Kevin Phillips here'. He's still a terrific player.

"Because of the way we have played, he hasn't really had a look-in and he's naturally disappointed he hasn't figured as much as he would have liked.

"But there is every chance Kevin will see more game-time and make a contribution.

"To have brought one of those other players in, on lucrative contracts, who doesn't have his ability, would have been a bit of an insult and wrong.

"Kevin knows the Premier League, he is a proven goalscorer and I'm sure he will be eager to take his opportunity when it comes."