The disappointment felt by Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish at not landing a big name striker during the January transfer window was tempered by the thought that he already has one on standby in the wings Kevin Phillips.

 

With Christian Benitez and Cameron Jerome forming a formidable partnership up front this season, opportunities for the former Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion player have been very limited. However, his recovery from a groin injury should coincide with an increased chance of first team appearances during the final run in.

"During the transfer window, I had the names put forward to me of many players who are in their 30s” said McLeish. “I suddenly thought 'hang on a minute, I've already got Kevin Phillips here at Birmingham' - and he is still a terrific player with more ability than the names put to me."

The funds made available by new owner Carson Yeung remain in the bank after efforts to lure Kenwyne Jones from Phillips former employers Sunderland and approaches to Spurs over Roman Pavlyuchenko both failed to secure the services of the players in question. However, McLeish remains optimistic about strengthening his squad longer term. "I am sure the money will still be there in the summer. The board tried to help me sign some big players in this last window” he said.