McLeish: Fear can propel Birmingham into Europe

Alex McLeish reckons Birmingham could be propelled into Europe by fear after revealing it inspired him under Sir Alex Ferguson.

McLeish, 51, enjoyed a ­glittering career as a defender under Ferguson at Aberdeen.

Now he is trying to mastermind more success as eighth-placed Blues seek to qualify for the Europa League.

Big ’Eck made four changes to freshen up City as they won at Portsmouth in the Premier League on Tuesday after defeat in the FA Cup there.

And McLeish believes rotating his squad – and players fighting for their places – can pay dividends in the run-in.

He said: “The only thing I was ever really scared of when I played professional football was the guy breathing down my neck wanting to take my place.

“That’s what drove me forward, not Sir Alex giving me a hard time.

“It was the fact I had competition and my place could be taken at any minute.

“That fear, which can be a positive, is starting to come for us.

“So, it keeps the players on their toes and they know if they do come back into the team they have to play well.”

He added: “We have got ourselves in a marvellous position of strength and it’s up to us to keep driving and go for it.”