McLeish gambles on Forssell fitness

ALEX MCLEISH believes Mikael Forssell will play a decisive role in Birmingham’s bid to stay in the Premier League — if he can remain fit.

McLeish revealed he tried to buy Forssell from Chelsea three-and-a-half years ago during his reign as Rangers manager after scoring 19 goals on loan to City during the 2003-2004 campaign.

Forssell instead chose to return to St Andrews in a permanent €4.5million deal only for the Finnish international to then be dogged by knee problems.