Birmingham hit by Phillips injury

Phillips could miss six key games with a hamstring injury

Birmingham City's leading scorer Kevin Phillips has been ruled out for up to three weeks after a slight tear was detected in his hamstring.

Phillips, 35, was forced off by the injury during the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest over the weekend.

"The scan revealed it was a very small tear," Blues boss Alex McLeish told the Birmingham Mail.

"As such they've said it was a Grade One tear, which is two or three weeks out - Kevin says he's a quick healer."

Losing the 13-goal Phillips is another blow for the Championship promotion chasers after the long-term injuries suffered by Garry O'Connor (groin) and James McFadden (knee).

"It's unfortunate we have these strikers injured, but that's why we signed a few," McLeish noted.

The former Rangers and Scotland boss now has Cameron Jerome, Marcus Bent and new signing Carlos Costly as his main strike options, while Hameur Bouazza and Scott Sinclair can also play through the middle.

Gary McSheffrey could yet return to McLeish's plans after coming through a behind-closed-doors friendly against Chesterfield.

The former Coventry winger has been linked with several clubs for a possible loan move for the remainder of the season.