SCOTLAND internationalist James McFadden's keyhole surgery on his knee has been a success, according to Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish.
The striker missed last night's international friendly against Croatia at Hampden Park after going under the surgeon's knife on Saturday to have the meniscus tear mended.
McFadden, who picked up the problem in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in
a Premier League match at St Andrews earlier this month, is expected to be available in the next three months to bolster Blues' survival bid.
Former Scotland manager McLeish said: "The operation went very well and James feels good. It's important that we got him sorted out for the games that will be crucial at the end of the campaign.
"Hopefully now he'll be back in two or three weeks, but we'll be guided by Neil McDiarmid, our chief physio, and his team."
Birmingham are currently sitting fourth from bottom in the Premier League – only Bolton Wanderers, Fulham and Derby County are worse off – and slipped precariously close to the relegation zone following the 2-1 defeat to Reading at the weekend.
McLeish's side entertain Manchester City at St Andrews this weekend, and the manager admits he could have done with the services of McFadden, his £4.75million January signing from Everton.
"We can ill afford to lose players like James McFadden and Olivier Kapo from what is a small and inexperienced squad," added McLeish.
"These are major blows to any team, never mind Birmingham City, but especially to us when you don't have the resources."
The full article contains 263 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
