Source: Team_Talk
McLeish targeting Carling Cup glory
irmingham boss Alex McLeish is is dreaming of leading Blues to Carling Cup glory at Wembley but will give Brentford plenty of respect tonight.[LNB] Birmingham have already overcome lower-graded opposition this season in Rochdale and MK Dons, and now have a golden chance to reach the quarter-finals.[LNB]But McLeish is aware of Brentford's exploits already in the competition in knocking out Everton.[LNB]He said: "We will have to see if we are strong enough to win a cup but we will give it a go.[LNB]"We've got a chance to get to the quarter-finals. We are not going to give that opportunity up lightly.[LNB]"We've had home draws this season. We always moaned about the draws in the past saying it was a fix, being drawn away all the time.[LNB]"Now we've had a run of them at our place and we have to take advantage, quite simply."[LNB]McLeish added: "Why not think of Wembley? We've got to think that way but we do realise there are some incredible competitors out there.[LNB]"To win a trophy for this club would be a dream come true. We are not a fashionable club in terms of being trophy winners.[LNB]"But we are a good old traditional English club in the true sense of the word and it would be nice for Birmingham to have a bit of history.[LNB]"We are a long way from that. It is nice to talk about it but talk is cheap. You've actually got to go and do it.[LNB]"First and foremost, let's get through this tie because if we don't there is no point even chatting about that.[LNB]"We have to give Brentford every respect and not approach the game in a complacent manner. They have nothing to lose and will be euphoric if they win."[LNB]McLeish has called teenage striker Akwase Asante into the squad after he scored five goals for the youth team against Tottenham 10 days ago.[LNB]The former Rangers boss said: "He is a young centre-forward who is strong and quick and we believe he has got a chance.[LNB]"He has caught the eye. We have been impressed with him and he trained with us before he scored the goals against Tottenham."[LNB]Play-maker Alexander Hleb is ruled out with the knee injury suffered against Blackpool at the weekend, but will be fit for Sunday's clash with Aston Villa.
