McLeish - Ferguson no Rovers flop

Alex McLeish insists Birmingham midfielder Barry Ferguson was not a flop during his first spell in the Barclays Premier League with Blackburn. Ferguson made the move from Rangers to Ewood Park six years ago but was sidelined for a lengthy spell with a knee injury. But McLeish is adamant Ferguson made a positive impact when he was able to play for Blackburn and can repeat that form for Birmingham. McLeish told Press Association Sport: "People say Barry had a rough time at Blackburn but I disagree with that. "He had an horrific knee injury but, when he came back to full fitness, he was a fantastic player in the Rovers midfield. "The big thing is the jury is still out on whether he can be a Premier League player because he didn't stay long enough at Blackburn. But I know from speaking to Walter Smith at the time, that he was getting fantastic reports about Barry Ferguson's performances at Blackburn. I know people said he was soon back up in Scotland because he hadn't done very well but that is nonsense."