Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has sprung to the defence of Garry O’Connor by insisting the striker is not a lazy player.

The Blues boss had a swift response for fans calling a phone-in who were questioning the forward’s work-rate in games.

McLeish argued that O’Connor is still sruggling to overcome a groin problem, which first flared up last season when the team gained promotion from the Championship.

The manager said: “To suggest Garry is lazy is absolute nonsense and he has been playing with sore groins.

“Garry had the operation last season and you should remember some of his performances in the Championship. All of a sudden he was cut down with this groin problem. Now this season he is struggling with the whole mobility thing.

“But we are doing rehabilitation exercises with him, preventative measures, and I am sure Garry will have a big contribution to make.

“He has already scored the winner for us at Hull and, if that kind of stuff doesn’t satisfy some people, then what chance have you got?”

On-loan Sunderland midfielder Teemu Tainio should be available for Sunday’s home clash with Manchester City. He was ineligible to face Sunderland last week.