Ferguson: McLeish will be hit in England

Alex Ferguson has backed Alex McLeish to succeed in the Barclays Premier League.

McLeish quit as Scotland head coach yesterday and is set to be revealed as the new boss at Birmingham today.

Manchester United manager Ferguson – who briefly also took charge of the Scottish national team after the death of Jock Stein – has no doubt McLeish will be a big hit in his first role south of the border.

“I think Alex has proved himself as a successful manager, no matter where he is,” said Ferguson.

“His contribution to Scotland’s success in the last few months has been fantastic – everyone in Scotland is so proud of him, because it’s not an easy job.

“He’s brought great belief to that team- and following on from what Walter (Smith) did, it’s been a great period for Scotland.

“Alex, absolutely no problems, he’s a top manager.”