Garry O'Connor makes point to Blues

Birmingham striker Garry O'Connor is looking for a new six-month contract at St Andrew's to prove his fitness before reviewing his options in the New Year.

The 27-year-old forward is only looking to commit himself until the end of the year, after Blues sought to renegotiate terms instead of talking up their option of a two-year contract.

O'Connor only made 12 appearances last season in a campaign consumed by niggling injuries, so wants to reduce the risk to the club of tying him to another long deal.

He said: "I've been really depressed at how little football I've been playing. I've had five operations over the last two years around my groin and hip areas but now I am absolutely flying.

"I'm now in the best shape in the last five years, my sharpness is back as is my strength and I'm feeling really positive.

"I have a two-year contract extension at Birmingham but that's been put on hold, because I have to prove my fitness to the club.

"I asked for six months, although Birmingham wanted to offer me longer and, if everything is all right, then the two-year deal can be signed."

The Scotland international also refused to rule out a return to Hibs in his homeland, where he started his career and spent seven years before leaving to join Lokomotiv Moscow in 2006.

But, at present, O'Connor believes he has a point to prove at St Andrew's.

He said: "Hibs will always have a special place in my heart, the fans have always been terrific to me and I still have the ambition to come back to the Scottish Premier League and play for them again, however I have unfinished business in England.

"I'm not trying to be disrespectful to Hibs, I'd never be that to the club or the people at Easter Road, but I think everyone would agree that every player wants to test himself against the best."