McFadden blow for Blues

Scottish ace to miss next two games

By Peter O'Rourke   Last updated: 22nd March 2008

Birmingham v Arsenal James McFadden celebrates

McFadden: Laid low

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Birmingham striker James McFadden will miss the next two games after undergoing knee surgery.

The Scottish international sat out Saturday's defeat at Reading after being forced under the knife to correct his knee problem.

McFadden suffered the injury during Monday's draw with Newcastle and the club decided to send him for surgery.

It means McFadden will miss the upcoming games against Manchester City and Wigan and Blues boss Alex McLeish admitted it was a major blow to lose his January acquisition.

"James had a small tear in his knee," said McLeish.

Surgery

"He had keyhole surgery this morning, and we'll miss him for two more matches.

"It happened after the Newcastle match. We were not concerned at first, because we thought it was just a knock.

"But over the past few days the physiotherapist thought it might be a tear in his knee - and so it proved to be.

"It was a huge loss for us. James has been in excellent form, he's brought something to the team and inspired other players.

"But it's a chance for other players to stand up and I thought there were one or two good performances."