McLeish gives Cahill heads-up

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has told his players to be wary of Everton’s Tim Cahill during their Boxing Day clash at Goodison Park.

The Australian midfielder, known for his ability in the air, has been in devastating form this season and has scored six headers already.

In fact, of his 54 Premier League goals, 31 have come with his head, the latest of which came in Everton’s 2-1 victory at Manchester City on Monday.

“He is fantastic. He is a player with a great standing spring and where defenders are just about ready to go up, he is already up there hanging and scoring goals galore.”

“He will have to be closely watched but we will go there and try and do to Everton what they did to Manchester City.”

“My players go into the game in fine fettle and there are no excuses. It is a tough game for us, we know Everton are a good side and on their home ground, very formidable.”

McLeish also confirmed he is looking to ‘bring a player or two in’ during the January transfer window whether it is on loan or to buy.

Having scored just 17 goals in their 17 games, Birmingham have been linked with a move for a striker to inject some much-needed fire power into their squad.

But when asked about a swoop for John Carew from arch-rivals Aston Villa, McLeish was coy.

“I’ve always liked John as a player and I tried to take him to [former club] Rangers,” he said. “But it is not something that I have thought about.”

Birmingham are boosted by the return of on-loan midfielder Alexander Hleb who has shaken off a hamstring injury and is in contention to face Everton.

But they are still without James McFadden, who has a long-term knee injury.