O'Neill rivalry excites McLeish

06 May 2009 12:48
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is looking forward to pitting his wits against Aston Villa counterpart Martin O'Neill in the Premier League next season.[LNB] The two men enjoyed a rivalry in Scotland during their respective periods in charge of Rangers and Celtic.[LNB]McLeish has not had the opportunity to come up against O'Neill this term but he is relishing the prospect of facing Villa again after winning promotion from the Championship with Birmingham.[LNB]He is keen for Blues to make amends for the 5-1 drubbing they suffered in the most recent Midlands derby at the end of the 2007/8 campaign.[LNB]"We know Villa are a little bit ahead of us in terms of quality and resources at the moment," he said.[LNB]"There is no doubt that Martin has done a fantastic job there.[LNB]"But we certainly would like to try and get closer to our big rivals and try and make the situation Martin and I had when on opposite sides in Glasgow.[LNB]Target"I just hope we do a bit better than the last time at Villa Park.[LNB]"We will never be Manchester United but I'd love to think we can make our way in the Premier League in the next two or three years while I am in charge."[LNB]McLeish is determined to establish Birmingham as a force to be reckoned with in the top flight and is targeting more than merely survival.[LNB]He explained: "I judge myself and the pressure I put Alex McLeish under and, although some people might be happy with getting to the Premier League, I want to stay there.[LNB]"That's my ambition. Nothing will ever stop me wanting to be a winner and, if[LNB]I've got people on the same wavelength, then I think we have got a chance."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports