Garry O'Connor

Garry O'Connor's road to recovery on his troublesome hip and groin has begun.

The Blues striker underwent surgery earlier this week in a bid to cure the long standing problem.

Meanwhile Teemu Tainio is set to go under the surgeon's knife on his troublesome knee shortly.

"Big Garry's going to be out for a wee while. The surgeon said he didn't know how he had been managing to play on through it," revealed boss Alex McLeish.

"So it shows what a big heart he has got.

"He has been unfairly criticised at times and labelled as lazy a few weeks ago.

"We knew there was something wrong with him mobility wise but he has always given everything on the training ground and on the pitch whilst playing with some pain.

"Tainio is getting operated on in the coming week.

"He remains with us at Birmingham.

"We have got him on loan for a while yet."