McLeish: Duo still have part to play

The Blues boss will only allow striker Phillips and midfielder Carsley to leave during the January transfer window if the move is to their benefit.Carsley, a key member of City's promotion-winning team last season, has found himself on the periphery of the current side because of the success of the Barry Ferguson-Lee Bowyer partnership.While Phillips has found himself in a similar situation, McLeish instead choosing to persevere with Cameron Jerome and Christian Benitez upfront, even though they have managed just three goals between them this season.McLeish, whose side entertain West Ham on Saturday, said: "There have not been any inquiries for Kevin and Lee. "They are great characters in the squad and the only way we would consider letting guys like that leave is if it was good for them. "That would be the only reason they would leave Birmingham - but they are good players."They're around the squad just now and are infectious and rub off on the other players."You saw Lee come on against Liverpool and he did a great job for us and Kevin came on in the Bolton game and looked back to his brightest again."Phillips has recently recovered from a foot injury and is likely to be on the substitute's bench against the Hammers.City are set for a near sell-out 29,500 crowd for the first time this season with less than 1,000 tickets still available. Birmingham v West Ham. Click here to bet.  

Source: Team_Talk