Barry Ferguson is a doubt to face West Brom after playing with a broken rib in the Carling Cup final.
McLeish praises Birmingham midfielder's character
Barry Ferguson is a doubt for Birmingham City's derby with West Bromwich Albion after playing with a broken rib in the Carling Cup final.
The experienced midfielder suffered the injury during the first half of Birmingham's famous 2-1 win over Arsenal at Wembley last weekend after a challenge with Samir Nasri.
He is now a concern for the crucial Premier League game with West Brom as Blues boss Alex McLeish praised his fellow Scot's toughness.
McLeish confirmed: "Barry Ferguson played an hour with a broken rib at Wembley.
"It shows that his pain threshold is frightening and also the character of the guy to do that. We all know how painful a broken rib can be.
"I think it happened in a challenge with Nasri. He has taken a right bash in the ribs. It has been confirmed that there is a stress fracture and he is a doubt for the weekend."
Injection
Ferguson may have a pain-killing injection after the weekend if he is unfit to face the Baggies at St Andrews.
McLeish said: "Ferguson has had this before in our time at Rangers and he took an injection into the ribs.
"It was administered with a big giant needle - not something I would fancy - which alleviates the pain.
"If he doesn't make it for the weekend, that could be administered in the next week or two."
McLeish also confirmed fellow midfielder Craig Gardner is a doubt to face West Brom after picking up a thigh problem against Arsenal.
