O'Connor out for four months

Birmingham City striker Garry O'Connor is set to miss around four months and is likely to need another operation because of complications arising from his groin injury, manager Alex McLeish has revealed.

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Garry O'Connor: Hip injury

The 26-year-old had an operation on a groin problem last season but that has now caused problems with the player's hip.

McLeish told the club's website: "In all likelihood, the big 'un has got to go for an operation and we could be talking three to four months." Garry's problem is related to what he had last year. He had an operation on part of the groin ligament in there because of wear and tear.

"I've not got the full technical details but the wear and tear has caused a little bit of bone growth or something has calcified, so he'll have to get shaved because it's affecting his mobility in that area.

"We think he's got to have an operation at some stage on his hip before he plays again. That is the kind of road we're going down, so it's another man down which isn't great in terms of our striking options."

With Marcus Bent on loan at Middlesbrough, the injury leaves McLeish with just Cameron Jerome, Christian Benitez and Kevin Philips as senior strikers in his squad. McLeish may now have to go into the transfer market in January to replace O'Connor, who has one goal to his name this term.

Meanwhile, Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson has revealed his desire to re-open talks regarding a new contract with the midlands club.

The Sweden international, who is in the final year of his current contract, held negotiations with previous owners David Sullivan and David Gold over a new five-year deal. But those plans were put on ice until the takeover by Carson Yeung was completed.

Now that has gone through, former Arsenal player Larsson is keen to hold conversations with Yeung about his long-term future.

Larsson said: "While the takeover was going on, things were on hold and it didn't happen and we will have to see what the new owners want to do, if they want to keep me. That is up to them. I am up for talking for them and I am excited about the future here at Birmingham City.

"I think the takeover and the promise of funds for new players has been a big lift for the whole club, the supporters and everyone. The feelgood factor is back a little bit at Birmingham.

"I am just concentrating on the football now but, if they want to come to me and discuss things, then I am definitely up for it."

Larsson is optimistic about the future after City's trio of impressive performances in defeating Sunderland and drawing with Manchester City and Liverpool.

He said: "There is a lot of promise in the squad and we are gelling now nicely as a team. We are coming together. The back four is looking very solid and we can play some football as well. The signs are all very encouraging."