Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson feels a fully-fit Mikael Forssell would be playing for one of the top teams in the Premier League.Striker Forssell has been dogged by injury problems since he scored 19 goals for Blues during the 2003-04 campaign when on loan from Chelsea before the move became permanent.

But the Finland international gave a glimpse of his pedigree when netting his first hat-trick for the club during Saturday's 4-1 win over Spurs at St Andrews.

Larsson, who played at Arsenal during Thierry Henry's spell at the club, said: "Mikael is a quality player and I would go as far as to say he's one of the best finishers I have seen - and I've played with a few.

"As a finisher in front of goal, he's unbelievable. He's fit and getting a few games under his belt and we can see the benefit for Birmingham.

"There is no doubt a fully-fit Mikael Forssell could play for one of the top teams. Have his injuries enabled Birmingham to keep hold of him? Probably, yes.

"When he was first here, he banged in 19 goals in one season and that says it all about him. Mikael is quality and hopefully he's coming back to that now.

"I think that takes him up to seven or eight goals for the season which isn't too bad considering the number of games he's started.

"As long as he can stay fresh and fit, if you create chances for him, he's going to score. It's as simple as that.

"He's just got to continue now, stay fit, get a few more games under his belt, and hopefully keep producing a few goals for us."

Forssell's current contract is up in the summer but Birmingham could take up a two-year option on the 26-year-old.

That will be in stark contrast to last summer when Forssell felt his days at Blues were numbered and looked set to move to Hanover.

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