Blues boss confirms Fahey interest

Alex McLeish has confirmed Blues are tracking former Villa midfielder Keith Fahey.

The 25-year-old Dubliner is currently plying his trade with FAI League of Ireland Premier Division side St. Patrick's.

Fahey is a creative midfielder and earlier this month he was named as the PFAI Premier Division Player of the Year for 2008.

He began his professional career as a trainee with Arsenal, before joining Villa in 1999 for £250,000.

During his time at Villa Park he made just a single appearance, which came in the Intertoto Cup against Lille, before moving back to his home country.

McLeish said: "At this stage I don't like to say how optimistic or pessimistic I am. When I have got something to say, I'll let you know. He's had a good season for St Pat's and he looks a decent player."

The Blues boss, who takes his second placed side to face Swansea, also wants to keep Nigel Quashie on loan for another month.

Quashie is suspended for the trip to the Liberty Stadium but full-back David Murphy has recovered from a knee injury.

Damien Johnson, Garry O'Connor, Stuart Parnaby, Stephen Kelly and Gary McSheffrey all remain out.

Swansea goalkeeper Dorus de Vries is fit again after making a quick recovery from a fractured jaw.