QUASHIE HOPEFUL OF BLUES CHANCE

Quashie - hopes to join Birmingham.

West Ham midfielder Nigel Quashie is hopeful of securing a loan move to Birmingham after coming through a reserve game with Manchester City.

The 30-year-old is back to full fitness following a serious ankle injury and after losing his mother to cancer earlier this month is hoping to be handed a fresh start by Blues boss Alex McLeish.

He told the Birmingham Post: "It has been a really frustrating time and I did think I would have to pack in, so I am grateful just to be playing again.

"Losing my mum, who I was very close to, as well has made it the hardest time of my life so I am due a bit of luck after everything I have been through.

"Everyone at Birmingham has been fantastic. Alex has given me the chance to come here and train and if I get an opportunity to come here and play it will be a massive sigh of relief.

"It would be great to be part of a club that is pushing to get back into the top flight, and with the players we have here we can do it."