Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has launched a strong defence of striker Garry O'Connor and insisted the Scotland international is not a lazy player.

McLeish was responding to the claims of fans during a phone-in on Birmingham radio station Capitol Gold who were questioning the frontman's work-rate

And he revealed that O'Connor is struggling to overcome a groin problem which first flared up last season when Blues gained promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship.

McLeish said: "To say Garry is lazy is absolute nonsense and he has been playing with sore groins. He had the operation last season and you should remember some of his performances in the Championship. All of a sudden he was cut down with this groin problem.

"This season Garry is struggling with the whole mobility thing. But we are doing rehabilitation exercises with him, preventative measures, and I am sure Garry will have a big contribution to make.

"He has already scored the winner for us at Hull and, if that kind of stuff doesn't satisfy some people, then what chance have you got?"