An embarrassment of riches for Blues

Birmingham's firepower was today labelled an "embarrassment of riches" by coach Andy Watson.

Boss Alex McLeish's right-hand man reckons Blues are blessed with some of the best strikers in the Premier League.

They go to Milton Keynes Dons tonight (7.30pm) for their penultimate friendly before kicking-off their top-flight campaign at Sunderland on August 14.

And Watson reckons with four hot-shot strikers on the books Blues have dangerous options.

He said: "It's one of those, an embarrassment of riches at the moment. Garry O'Connor is fit, big Nikola Zigic brings a presence we haven't really had, Cameron Jerome scored a good goal at Northampton and has looked dangerous.

"Let's not leave Kevin Phillips out either. We know he's got a nose for goal. So that's a good headache for the manager.

"Strikers like to be scoring goals and getting minutes under their belts. They are all drawing the best out of each other and that can only be good for the team."

Watson knows Blues could run riot if their midfield also starts packing a goal threat.

He said: "If you look at the Derby game (a 2-1 win at the weekend) Craig Gardner was up there and had six or seven efforts.

"Lee Bowyer gets into the box and, importantly, we are also getting down the sides and putting balls into good areas which creates chances."