McLeish backs O'Connor
27 Jun 2007 - 09:20:27
Scotland manager Alex McLeish has backed Garry O'Connor to be a success in the Premier League, as the striker nears the completion of his move to Birmingham City.
The 24-year-old Scotland international is poised to join the Blues in a £2.7million deal from Lokomotiv Moscow and McLeish is confident that O'Connor will prove to be a hit at St Andrew's.
He told The Scotsman: "I think he can make an impact in the Premier League. He is two-footed, good in the air and mobile, so I don't see why not.
"It depends on where Birmingham play him. A lot of managers are going for the 4-5-1 system at the moment and I'm sure Garry can play up front on his own if need be, as long as he gets some support from the midfielders or wingers.
"He has improved his game since moving to Russia, without a doubt. He is now showing more game awareness.
"He knows he has now set a standard and that he has to maintain it in every game.
"With the right guidance from Steve Bruce and Eric Black at Birmingham, hopefully he can become even better. He can be a real force in the Premier League."