Carsley - McFadden is vital

Midfielder hoping forward will stay with Birmingham

Last updated: 7th July 2008

James McFadden Birmingham

McFadden: Carsley praise

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Birmingham midfielder Lee Carsley has urged James McFadden to stay at St Andrews.

The Scotland international is looking for a summer transfer away from Blues after they suffered relegation from the Premier League on the final day of last season.

Manager Alex McLeish insists he has no intention of allowing the talented forward to move on as he sees McFadden as an integral part of his plans.

And Carsley, who knows McFadden well from their time together at Everton, believes the former Motherwell player should stay on and become the driving force behind Birmingham's promotion bid.

Fantastic

He told the Daily Star: "Faddy's going to be vital, he's a fantastic talent.

"He's still developing as a player and I'm sure the responsibility on his shoulders here will make him even better.

"He's the kind of person who will rise to the challenge."