De Ridder has been a spectator for much of the season

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has told the club website their style of play does not suit winger Daniel de Ridder.

McLeish was reacting to the player's decision to speak out about a lack of first team opportunities at St Andrews, having not played since January.

"He's been available but Olivier Kapo, Gary McSheffrey and Sebstian Larsson were ahead of him," he said.

"I said to Danny a while back that I felt if we were more of a passing team, I may think more about him."

I just think he's more suited to a team that maybe pings the ball about Alex McLeish

"I don't think we're a slick passing team and Danny's used to playing in Dutch and Spanish teams where he's seen a lot of the ball," McLeish added.

"We've put a lot of emphasis on our wide men getting back in and defending while equally trying to get into the opposition box.

"I'm not saying that Danny doesn't do that. I just think he's more suited to a team that maybe pings the ball about."