Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish says Argentine youngster Mauro Zarate will be better for his first Premiership start in their 4-2 defeat to Portsmouth.

McLeish revealed that £5million striker James McFadden was left on the bench for the first hour because he was in hospital with his wife most of last night before she gave birth to a daughter.

Argentinian Zarate made his first start but was taken off in the second half.

McLeish said: "He did OK. He's only 20 and we shouldn't expect miracles from him."