Blues boss still hopes for Hleb's best

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is hoping to get the best out of Alexander Hleb during the last six games of the season.

The on-loan midfielder is expected to return to Barcelona in the summer, after admitting he is not suited to Blues' style of play.

McLeish appears resigned to that being the case but hopes Hleb can hit form in what's left of his time at the club, starting with tonight's clash at Chelsea.

The Blues boss said: "I'm not bothered what people are going to do at the end of the season.

"My focus is only on what is coming up. I can't be sidetracked by people talking about their future. The bigger picture is the Blues and that's my total focus.

"Alex is a terrific player. We haven't seen the best of him but I'd like to think he has learned a bit about other aspects of the game while he has been in.

"If he wants to go in the summer, we will shake his hand and wish him well."

McLeish also revealed striker James McFadden has hit the comeback trail - and could return to action with Scotland in the summer.

McFadden suffered knee ligament damage in late August and was expected to be sidelined until next season.

But the 28-year-old has already taken part in a practice game and McLeish is hopeful the forward can play some part before the end of the campaign, which could free him up to join his country for the Carling Nations Cup tournament.

He said: "James has joined the young players in training and played in a small-sided game with them on Monday. Now it just depends on the reactions to his knee.

"I would think hopefully we can get over the line and he can make some kind of appearance before the end of the season."