Lee Carsley believes Birmingham City must go goal crazy if they are to secure an instant return to the Barclays Premier League and says striker James McFadden as a key man.
The former Everton midfielder, who signed on a free transfer this summer, believes his former Toffees team-mate will be vital in the Championship challenge and is urging the club to keep their prized asset.
Speculation persists that the Scotland international is a target of several clubs, especially Scottish Premier League Celtic who have tabled a bid, but Blues have categorically stated they do no wish to sell McFadden, who signed for £5 million from Everton only in January.
McFadden’s agent Willie McKay says his client does not want to play in the Championship but Carsley believes McFadden will become a better player for the challenge of spearheading the club’s promotion push.
“He is going to be vital for us because he is a fantastic talent,” Carsley said. “He scored a few last season and should have scored even more. He is still growing as a player and I think the experience of having the responsibility on his shoulders here will be even better for him. I think it will bring out the best in him and he will be a big player for us.”
Carsley says any side that thinks they can mark McFadden out of the game will face a difficult task. Instead of weakening the squad by selling him and winger Sebastian Larsson, who is also the subject of transfer speculation, Carsley is expecting more arrivals to strengthen the squad. Blues are front-runners to sign veteran striker Kevin Phillips who is out of contract at West Bromwich Albion.
“Good players make time for themselves and there is no chance that Faddie is going to be swamped in the Championship,” Carsley said. “He is a good player and plays internationally where he is marked closely so it will be no different.
“It is good news that the club has said it will not sell ‘Faddie’ or Larsson. It is important that you keep your better players. It is going to be a long season so you need a big squad. I am sure there will be a lot of comings and goings but ‘Faddie’ and Larsson are going to be vital for us if we are to get back into the Premier League and then stay there. .”
