McLeish gives Slovakia striker chance to impress

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish is to run the rule over Slovakia international Jan Novak.

Novak, who will be heading to the World Cup in South Africa next summer, is on trial after being allowed to train with the Blues by his current club MFK Kosice.

Although the 24-year-old has scored 39 goals in 90 appearances for Kosice, including 11 this season, they are ready to cash in on a player likely to cost around £2m.

Novak would certainly fit the bill as far as current City forward Cameron Jerome is concerned as he believes the club is light on attacking options.

Although Jerome and Christian Benitez have formed an excellent partnership, the Blues are without the injured Garry O’Connor, whilst Kevin Phillips is now 36.

“It’s good if the manager is looking to bring a striker in,” said Jerome in the Birmingham Mail.

“Me and Chucho (Benitez) are both young players, and this is his first season in the Premier League, so there’s a heavy weight on our shoulders.

“We will see if he is able to purchase players who are going to come in and improve the squad.

“If it happens, then that would be pleasing for everyone, from a team point of view.”