Alex McLeish is adamant Birmingham will not let James McFadden depart the club at the end of the season.
Blues boss says crocked striker is staying put
Alex McLeish is adamant Birmingham will not let striker James McFadden depart the club at the end of the season.
The Scotland international has been out of action since September with knee ligament damage and is still some distance away from returning to full training.
McFadden, who arrived at St Andrews from Everton in 2008, is out of contract in the summer.
But the Blues have an option on the deal in their favour which McLeish intends to trigger.
He said: "We will not be letting James McFadden leave at the end of this season.
"The worst that will happen is that we will be taking up the option (on his contract)."
Recovery
McLeish insists the Blues will not hurry McFadden into an early comeback before he is fully recovered, adding: "James has not done any running yet and he would need to do almost a mini pre-season again.
"James is very positive about coming back but it depends when his knee is fully healed.
"He'll go back and get a check-up, then it will be determined by the specialist if there's a full healing process that has been achieved.
"James will then start the active work to get back to full fitness - but not before."
