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Mcleish hopes Blues veterans stay
Birmingham City, 09:37, December 10, 2009 ,
Alex McLeish has confirmed that he would like first-team fringe men Lee Carsley and Kevin Phillips to stay at Birmingham in January.
The Blues boss is aware of speculation linking the veteran midfielder and striker with a move away from St Andrews in the New Year as they aim to secure some regular first-team football in the twilight of their respective careers.
However, while McLeish has admitted he would not stand in either players way, he did say he would prefer it if they stayed on as part of the Blues' squad at St Andrews.
"I would like Lee and Kevin Phillips to stay for the rest of the season," McLeish told the Daily Mail.
"I understand that, if there's something they feel strongly about that was better for them, I wouldn't stand in their way.
"They are reasonable people and phenomenal professionals. At the moment, I believe they want to stay."