Sky Sports | Football | News | Boss hails McFadden progress

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has hailed the progress James McFadden is making as he battles back from knee surgery.

It was initially feared the attacker's season would be effectively over after he suffered cruciate ligament damage in training in September.

But the 27-year-old is progressing better than expected, with McLeish suggesting he could even be back before the end of the season.

However, the Birmingham boss is wary of setting a comeback date, believing the rejoining of the cruciate has to take time to heal.

McLeish told theBirmingham Mail:"What's really helped him is the condition he came back in in the summer. He's probably his leanest ever, and his fittest ever.

"He had that psychological first whole Premier season last year, which I'm sure would have enhanced his confidence and his all-round physical and mental strength.

"I just had a good feeling about James before he was struck down this season so cruelly.

Good shape

"He's training well. He's kept himself in good shape and all that helps in the recovery of a player from injury.

"If he had gone off and indulged, having pints of shandy in the house every night and biscuits and that, it wouldn't aid his recovery. You've got to credit the player for his discipline.

"The progress he's made, you're thinking 'wow, he's going to be quick, back before Christmas'.

"But you have to be careful and put the reins on a wee bit and let that surgery heal properly.

"That actual rejoining of the cruciate actually has to take time to heal."

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