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Birmingham manager Alex McLeish delighted with Barry Ferguson’s impact
Boss praises influence on squad of ex-Scotland international
27 Feb 2011 12:50:00
By Matthew Woodward
Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has hailed Barry Ferguson’s impact since joining from Rangers back in 2009, following the player's well-publicised disciplinary issues with the Scotland national team.
Ferguson was stripped of the captain’s armband two years ago after a heavy drinking session in Holland with former team-mate Allan McGregor was followed by a series of gestures to the cameras while benched during an international game.
The 33-year-old was banned from representing his country ever again, but manager Alex McLeish has praised his compatriot's efforts in maintaining fitness and focus, and acknowledged the overall contribution Ferguson has made to the Blues' squad.
"He's proved since he's come to England that he's got plenty of fire, ability and still has the legs.
"He has been superb for us and his experience will be important. It's amazing he's played so many games and he's hardly ever injured."
Birmingham take on Arsenal at Wembley in the League Cup final today, and Ferguson has revealed his delight at reaching the final with the Blues, saying he will remember it for a long time to come.
"This is up there with everything I have achieved, including getting to the Uefa Cup Final with Rangers,” said Ferguson.
"A good achievement for Birmingham is just to stay in the Premier League. For us to get to this final is a great achievement."
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| Bet: | Returns: | Rangers £15.00 | Draw £35.00 | Motherwell £60.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Rangers £15.71 | Draw £35.00 | Motherwell £70.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Rangers £14.00 | Draw £43.30 | Motherwell £85.00 |
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Ferguson was stripped of the captain’s armband two years ago after a heavy drinking session in Holland with former team-mate Allan McGregor was followed by a series of gestures to the cameras while benched during an international game.
The 33-year-old was banned from representing his country ever again, but manager Alex McLeish has praised his compatriot's efforts in maintaining fitness and focus, and acknowledged the overall contribution Ferguson has made to the Blues' squad.
"He's proved since he's come to England that he's got plenty of fire, ability and still has the legs.
"He has been superb for us and his experience will be important. It's amazing he's played so many games and he's hardly ever injured."
Birmingham take on Arsenal at Wembley in the League Cup final today, and Ferguson has revealed his delight at reaching the final with the Blues, saying he will remember it for a long time to come.
"This is up there with everything I have achieved, including getting to the Uefa Cup Final with Rangers,” said Ferguson.
"A good achievement for Birmingham is just to stay in the Premier League. For us to get to this final is a great achievement."
Join the action Live! with Goal.com UK from 15:30.
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