O'Connor has been dogged by injuries during the last 12 months

Birmingham striker Garry O'Connor faces several months out after being told he requires hip surgery.

The 26-year-old has had problems with his hip following an operation to cure a groin injury.

"We have received some disappointing news about Garry," said Birmingham manager Alex McLeish.

"He is likely to need an operation on his hip. It could keep him out for several months and leaves our striking options light."

O'Connor, who has scored once this season, has been restricted to only six starts, the last of which was against Burnley in early October.

Earlier this month, McLeish was preparing to hear that O'Connor's injury needed an operation, saying: "Garry's problem is related to what he had last year. He had an operation on part of the groin ligament in there because of wear of tear.

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"I've not got the full technical details but the wear and tear has caused a little bit of bone growth or something has calcified, so he'll have to get it shaved because it's affecting his mobility in that area."

Birmingham are already light on strikers, with James McFadden the only forward to have scored more than once this campaign and they might be tempted to buy in the January transfer window.

Meanwhile, midfielder Teemu Tainio, currently on loan from Sunderland, is also facing a spell on the sidelines with a knee problem that could require surgery.

"Teemu is another player who may need surgery as his knee problem has flared up again," added McLeish.

"We knew he had a bit of a problematic knee before he came here but we were hoping he would be able to stand up to it. He is going to be out for the immediate future."

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