Alex McLeish unimpressed with Alexander Hleb
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alex McLeish admits Birmingham have not seen the best of Alexander Hleb during his season-long loan from Barcelona.
The Blues boss is hoping the former Arsenal playmaker can make a telling contribution during the final six games of the season - starting with tonight's clash at Chelsea.
Hleb has ruled out a return to St Andrew's next season, claiming he is not suited to City's style of play.
But McLeish countered those comments by pointing to his side's Carling Cup final success over the Gunners.
When asked about Hleb's comments, McLeish said: "I'm not bothered what people are going to do at the end of the season.
"My focus is only on what is coming up, the next six games. That's my total focus. I can't be sidetracked by people talking about their future.
"The bigger picture is the Blues and that's my total focus.
"Alex is a terrific player. We haven't seen the best of him, but I'd like to think he has learned a bit about other aspects of the game while he has been in.
"If Alex can make a contribution in the next six games, we will take it.
"If he wants to go in the summer, we will shake his hand and wish him well."
Hleb believes he is more suited to the passing game of Arsenal and hankers for a return to his former employers.
But McLeish said: "The only other thing I'd say about Alex's comments is we have shown we can still beat a team like Arsenal in a major cup final when perhaps we are not the best footballing team in the world.
"Not many sides are like Arsenal and Barcelona but it shows a team with other qualities can do that (beat them).
"We can still pass the ball and we have done it well but we have adhered to some tactics that have served us well and we play to our strengths.
"We can play football. Look at guys like Barry Ferguson. They take care of the ball."
Tonight will see the battle of the goal-shy strikers with Fernando Torres looking for his first for Chelsea and City's Cameron Jerome having drawn a blank for the last 19 league games.
But McLeish knows Torres will soon find the net and he is full of praise for Jerome's general contribution.
He said: "It is only a matter of time before Torres starts scoring again. He is too good a player.
"Listen, some day he is going to score. Let's face it. If you start to worry about things like that, it just distracts you.
"As for Cameron, he has been in terrific form. His hold-up play is much improved. His touch over the last three games has been excellent.
"He has worked his socks off for the team. He has been really troublesome for the opposition."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments