Carsley set for exit after McLeish's January shake-up at Birmingham

Lee Carsley will be an unexpected casualty of Alex McLeish's rebuilding campaign at Birmingham City when the transfer window opens.Exile: CarsleyThe veteran midfielder has been pushed out of the starting line-up and,with six months remaining on his contract, is expected to leave in theNew Year.McLeish would like to keep Carsley on his staff but, at 35, the midfielder would rather be playing.McLeish said: 'I would like Lee and Kevin Phillips to stay for the rest of the season.'I understand that, if there's something they feel strongly about that was better for them, I wouldn't stand in their way. They are reasonable people and phenomenal professionals. At the moment, I believe they want to stay.'The availability of former Republic of Ireland midfielder Carsley will alert a number of clubs, including Ipswich and Notts County. The League Two side have offered Carsley a two-year deal, although he is reluctant to drop down that far.Meanwhile, McLeish wants to secure on-loan goalkeeper Joe Hart on a permanent basis but is likely to be rebuffed by Manchester City, who are weighing up a £6million bid for Rubin Kazan left back Cristian Ansaldi. Wigan 2 Birmingham 3: Sure-fire Sebastian Larsson is having a real ballThree Lion Hart: Birmingham boss Alex McLeish tips keeper Joe to make England's World Cup squadBIRMINGHAM CITY FC

Source: Daily_Mail