McLeish: Liverpool a ´wonderful challenge´

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has urged his side not to feel daunted when they travel to Liverpool on Saturday.

McLeish’s men have only won twice on the road in the league this season and he wants that to change.

“Challenges like the one at Liverpool are absolutely wonderful,” he said.

“And, make no mistake about it, we are going to go up there and try and get a result.”

“Kenny has stamped his authority on their team and they have done very well under him.”

“He is a legend and a pal but we have got to try and get one over on him.”

“We’ve told the players not to be fazed or daunted by the challenge. It’s only one lap around the track.”

“We said that ahead of our trip to Chelsea and the same applies to Liverpool.”

“It’s all about rolling our sleeves up and making sure we keep our concentration and sharpness.”

McLeish is well aware of the threat posed by Liverpool’s 35 million pound striker Andy Carroll.

“Carroll is a tremendous player and if he plays we will certainly have to try and keep him quiet,” he said.

“I tried to get him to play for Scotland when I was in the job because he has Scottish connections, but he said no.”

Defender Martin Jiranek could feature after recovering from a groin injury.