Source: Team_Talk
Blues boss backs McFadden
irmingham City manager Alex McLeish has defended James McFadden after he came under fire from Scotland boss Craig Levein.[LNB] Levein hinted that McFadden has not been pulling his weight at international level and that is why some managers have omitted him in the past.[LNB]However, McFadden put in a decent shift in Sunday's goalless draw with Liverpool and McLeish insists the 27-year-old is one of the hardest workers at the club.[LNB]Former Scotland head coach McLeish knows McFadden better than most and insists the striker would never give anything less than his best for his country.[LNB]"I've worked with James for a long time now and he is actually one of the best trainers at the club," said McLeish.[LNB]"I can show you James' figures and they are way up there in terms of sports science. If anything he probably does too much in training.[LNB]"I don't think there should be any aspersions cast against James. He would walk over hot coals to play for Scotland.[LNB]"The last year has been typical James McFadden. He has been mercurial for Scotland, a real talisman and the Tartan Army love him - and he loves them back.[LNB]"James deserves respect and I am sure him and Craig will go on to have a good relationship.[LNB]"I am not going to take Craig Levein to task because he has criticised one of my players.[LNB]"I will continue to manage players my way and Craig has got to do it his way."
