Neil Bonnar's Maine Road scene

FORGOTTEN man Paul Ritchie has the perfect incentive to get fit - a regular first team place.

Blues coach Kevin Keegan has seen enough of the former Bolton loan star who impressed in City's Premiership season before the start of horrendous injury problems to know that he is good enough for his first team.

Indeed, Keegan says there is nobody in the squad who can match the Scottish international's aerial ability which could be taken that Keegan is as frustrated not to have Ritchie in his three-man defence as the player is at being constantly injured.

Ritchie missed most of last season and all of this with a groin problem. He looked good during a brief injury-free spell in pre-season before returning to the treatment table but he is back in full training again and looking to catch up with the rest of the squad in terms of match practice.

Keegan said: "When Paul is able to train fully with us there has to be a place in the side somewhere for him.

"He is a very good header of the ball, probably the best we have in the club.

"He did very well in pre-season and we were very impressed with him. It is frustrating for him and for me. But he will get back and his luck will turn."

Next five games: Wed Oct 10 Birmingham City (WC 3), Sat 13 Stockport H, Wed 17 Sheffield United H, Sun 21 Preston A, Tue 23 Grimsby H.