Ferguson played cup final with broken rib

Birmingham midfielder Alex McLeish has revealed midfielder Barry Ferguson played with a broken rib for an hour of the Carling Cup final triumph over Arsenal at Wembley.

Ferguson suffered the setback in a first-half challenge from Gunners midfielder Samir Nasri.

But the former Scotland international stayed on the pitch to help City gain a shock 2-1 win although he is rated doubtful for this Saturday’s home Premier League clash with West Brom.

McLeish confirmed: “Barry Ferguson played an hour with a broken rib at Wembley.

“It shows that his pain threshold is frightening and also the character of the guy to do that. We all know how painful a broken rib can be.

“I think it happened in a challenge with Nasri. He has taken a right bash in the ribs. It has been confirmed that there is a stress fracture and he is a doubt for the weekend.”

Ferguson may have a pain-killing injection after the weekend if he is unfit to face the Baggies.

McLeish said: “Ferguson has had this before in our time at Rangers and he took an injection into the ribs.

“It was administered with a big giant needle – not something I would fancy - which alleviates the pain.

“If he doesn’t make it for the weekend, that could be administered in the next week or two.”

McLeish also confirmed fellow midfielder Craig Gardner is a doubt to face West Brom.

He suffered a thigh problem at Wembley and had to be substituted early in the second half.