Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has slammed claims Scotland striker Garry O'Connor is lazy.

He revealed that O'Connor is struggling to overcome a groin problem which first flared up last season when Birmingham gained promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship.

McLeish said: "To say Garry is lazy is absolute nonsense and he has been playing with sore groins. He had the operation last season and you should remember some of his performances in the Championship. All of a sudden he was cut down with this groin problem.

"This season Garry is struggling with the whole mobility thing.

"But we are doing rehabilitation exercises with him, preventative measures, and I am sure Garry will have a big contribution to make.

"He has already scored the winner for us at Hull and, if that kind of stuff doesn't satisfy some people, then what chance have you got?"