Thigh injury sidelines Phillips

Birmingham striker Kevin Phillips has been ruled out for a “considerable period” with a torn thigh muscle.

Veteran forward Phillips suffered the problem in Saturday’s friendly defeat by Real Mallorca and it was feared he could be out for some time.

Those fears were today confirmed by a scan which showed a ripped muscle.

Manager Alex McLeish said: “Kevin has torn his thigh muscle and will be out for a while – it will be a considerable period.

“But he is a notoriously quick healer so anything will be a bonus.”