Source: Daily_Mail
Alex McLeish backing Nikola Zigic to become a Birmingham big hitter
Alex McLeish is confident Birmingham's £6million summer signing Nikola Zigic will come good despite struggling to adapt so far to the demands of the Barclays Premier League. [LNB]The Serbia international has found English football difficult to adjust to after playing in Spain with Valencia. [LNB]He has been confined chiefly to a substitute role with last season's top scorer Cameron Jerome preferred as the main striker. But McLeish has faith in Zigic to eventually show his true worth. [LNB] Tall order: Zigic (right) has has to adjust to the demands of English football[LNB]The former Scotland boss said: 'Nikola is still adjusting to the English game. It is hurly burly, 100 miles an hour. [LNB]'On the continent he is used to balls being laid up to him and cushioning it and laying it off and keeping the play moving. [LNB]'It is a totally different game to the Spanish system and also the Serbian system as well. [LNB]'The players tend to get lazy as well when there is a big guy in the team because they just launch it forward. [LNB]'But we've got to try to get into the right positions to give him the right service.'[LNB] McLeish admitted: 'Nikola has still got to find some sharpness in his touch and things like that. But I am sure he will make a contribution.'[LNB] Midfielder Craig Gardner starts a three-match ban this weekend and misses the clash with Everton following his straight red card in the goalless draw against Wigan. [LNB] Never again! Scotland snubbed by Birmingham midfielder Barry FergusonMcLeish hopes to tempt Larsson into extending career at BirminghamBirmingham 0 Wigan 0: Blues extend unbeaten run but Gardner sees redBIRMINGHAM CITY FC
