Alex McLeish is cheered by a better outlook for his injured players

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish is optimistic that a number of key players will soon be fit again to help their promotion challenge.

He told BBC WM: "Garry O'Connor went out with a groin injury that we thought might be quite serious but there's better news ahead for him.

"We don't think he'll be out as long - he doesn't need an operation.

"Both Stephen Kelly and Stuart Parnaby are back on the fitness trail, two or three weeks maybe for those two."

McLeish added: "Damien Johnson I believe is going to join the first team squad for training which is excellent news also."

O'Connor was injured in the warm-up before the defeat at QPR on 28 October, having been in excellent form in the preceding few games.

With Nicky Hunt having arrived on loan from Bolton, David Murphy fit again, and Kelly and Parnaby close to comebacks, McLeish could soon have five players competing for the two full-back positions.

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