Barry Ferguson will make fitness decision

John Curtis,Pa
Monday 07 March 2011 11:16 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will let key midfielder Barry Ferguson decide whether to undergo an injection which could allow him to return to action quicker after suffering a broken rib.

Ferguson picked up the injury in a challenge with Arsenal's Samir Nasri during the Carling Cup final nine days ago.

His influence was sorely missed during Saturday's 3-1 home defeat by West Brom which pushed City back into the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League.

But McLeish will put no pressure on Ferguson and allow him to make his mind up on whether to go under the needle.

McLeish said: "Barry has had this before when I was at Rangers in a Scottish Cup final.

"Perhaps it was easier then, but there can be things done to alleviate it, in terms of an injection.

"Barry, the doctor and I were discussing it on Saturday because he hates missing matches.

"Of course, he is a key component in our games just like Cesc Fabregas is a talisman to Arsenal and Wayne Rooney for Manchester United.

"We all have key players.

"But I'm not going to force the player into doing it. His welfare comes first and it must come from him if he makes the decision to have the jab."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in