Moyes has respect for Big Eck

19 December 2009 14:19
Birmingham travel to Goodison Park in the Premier League on Sunday looking to equal a club-record of six successive top-flight wins.[LNB]McLeish's promoted side began the season among the relegation favourites but their recent form, which extends to eight games unbeaten, has catapulted them into the top half.[LNB]Moyes has been impressed by how former Rangers and Scotland manager McLeish has bounced back from his side's relegation in 2008.[LNB]Moyes said: "I always look forward to coming up against any Scotsman but big Al has been a friend through the years.[LNB]"I played against him in my early days at Celtic and he was a terrific centre-half for Aberdeen and Scotland.[LNB]"He's now proving his worth as a manager as well.[LNB]"Alex would tell you it's taken a bit of time to get used to English football but I think he did well in Scotland and is now showing he can do it in England.[LNB]"I think they are a side everyone thought would be nearer the bottom end of the league but they are showing they can be at the top.[LNB]"They had to struggle for a year or two but now you could say he has maybe fallen on his feet.[LNB]"He seems to have an owner who is going to back him, give him some money and the side at the moment is going really well. It's good management.[LNB]"They gave got a bit of momentum and it will be a hard one for us."[LNB]Moyes expects Birmingham to survive in the Premier League this season but admits his own side still have plenty of work to do.[LNB]Everton have been hampered throughout the season by injuries and are already 10 points behind Birmingham.[LNB]Last week's creditable 3-3 draw at Chelsea offered encouragement but still left the Toffees hovering just above the relegation zone.[LNB]With the Europa League now out of the way until the knockout stages start in February, Moyes wants to make a concerted effort to climb the table, starting this Christmas.[LNB]Moyes said: "With five wins and a couple of draws, that's a tremendous record Birmingham have got just now.[LNB]"That would be hard for the top teams in the division to do.[LNB]"Birmingham are getting themselves into a very strong position but it is Everton I'm concerned about.[LNB]"The programme ahead is the same for all clubs and it is a difficult period, but we have to try to get some points on the board. It is an important time for us."[LNB]Everton yesterday learned they will play Sporting Lisbon in the last 32 of the Europa League.[LNB]The Toffees, having already qualified for the next stage, fielded an under-strength side in their final group fixture against BATE Borisov on Thursday.[LNB]With so many injuries, that is something Moyes has been unable to do at other points in the season and he is concerned about the demands being placed on some players.[LNB]He is now pleased to be able to forget about Europe for the time being.[LNB]He said: "I think it was a drain on us, especially with the numbers we had to pick from and the players we were playing in games.[LNB]"The experienced players have had to play every Premier League and Europa League game and it has been a real strain and a drain."[LNB][LNB] Everton 4/5, Draw 5/2, Birmingham 7/2  

Source: Team_Talk