Birmingham midfielder Barry Ferguson is set to return to the first team when they take on Wolves at St Andrews on Sunday.
Ferguson was left out of the side that were comprehensively beaten at Anfield at the weekend to allow him to fully recuperate after being in the side virtually every week, even after suffering a broken rib.
Ferguson carried on playing through the pain barrier after picking up the injury in the Carling Cup final and McLeish thought the Liverpool game would be the ideal time to give the player a well earned rest.
McLeish told the Press Association: ‘The guy has gone through torture for us.
‘He has taken injections in his ribs. He’s played for four weeks without any real training.
‘We had three hard games in a week and I rested Lee Bowyer in midweek at Chelsea and Ferguson on Saturday.
‘I wanted to try and keep him fresh for next week’s game with Wolves. He will be bursting to go again at the weekend.
‘Ferguson has been magnificent for us in his two years here and I am sure he will benefit from the rest.’ 
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