Michel in action against Portsmouth

Alex McLeish says he was very happy with Michel's performance following the midfielder's first start for Blues against Pompey on Tuesday night.

The Spaniard, who had previously come off the substitutes' bench five times for Blues following his £3m January transfer move from La Liga side Sporting Gijon, completed 77 minutes for McLeish's side during the 2-1 win at Fratton Park.

"I thought Michel played very well," said the Blues boss.

"He over stretched in the first half and felt a wee bit tight in his hamstring, so as precaution we had to take him off.

"He's got a big heart but we told him not to let his team mates down by playing on.

"It was important we kept players who had good mobility out there in the second half against Portsmouth, so Michel rightly told us he was finished at that time and it was ideal to get fresh legs on.

"Michel and the other new players have given me a problem with their good performances against Portsmouth and that's all you can ask from anybody that comes into the team.

"We've now got a lot of thinking to do for the Everton game this weekend."