O'Connor facing extended lay-off

O'Connor was in peak form at the time he sustained the injury

Birmingham will be without Garry O'Connor until at least the end of January after a groin operation.

The Scotland striker has been out of action since being hurt in the warm-up at QPR at the end of October.

Blues manager Alex McLeish told his club's website: "We have taken our time and consulted specialists as it was initially thought rehab would cure it.

"However the injury has been niggling Garry and it was decided that he should have the operation."

O'Connor said: "I hope to be back in action as soon as possible.

"The plan is that the operation will solve the problem and I can get back to where I left off - scoring goals for Birmingham City.

"That's something I'd like to be doing for a few years to come."