Source: Team_Talk
McLeish: Don't take Savage's bait
And he is also warning his players not to become involved in mind games with the former Wales international.[LNB]Savage enjoyed a successful spell at St Andrew's when City were promoted to the Premier League - but angered fans when he left to join Blackburn in controversial circumstances.[LNB]McLeish believes Savage will be doubly determined to do well against Blues if he is wound up by the taunts of their 5,500 travelling fans.[LNB]But he also knows Savage is capable of winding up the opposition and wants his players to keep their discipline as they strive to reach the quarter-finals.[LNB]McLeish said: "I like Robbie. I think he brings a little colour to the game. He has had a good career, he is a good player, a guy who rallies his team.[LNB]"Robbie has been playing well for Derby and he and Nigel Clough seem to have a great relationship.[LNB]"He is a great example for any young kid trying to make a career for himself in football, the desire to be something, when you see the fruits of what Robbie has done over the last few years.[LNB]"I was never a gifted player but my determination, will and drive allied to working with some very good people helped me and I am sure Savage will compliment his mentors, people he has worked with.[LNB]"He annoys the life out of the opposition and he can instigate a fight in an empty barn. He is good at that.[LNB]"Our players have got to have the maturity not to be taking the bait at all if Robbie is up to his mind games.[LNB]"We've got bigger fish to fry than having a spat with Robbie and getting involved in that. That will be taking our eye off the ball and not being professional.[LNB]"Robbie will use his mind games and experience and quite rightly. I would do so as well."[LNB]McLeish believes taunts from the Birmingham fans will only fire Savage up further.[LNB]He said: "I think he thrives on that. That is the sort of thing that motivates him.[LNB]"It would be better if the Blues fans never shouted his name at all and gave him a silent reception. Robbie would probably be surprised by that and not play as well."[LNB]McLeish admits the FA Cup has lost some of its sparkle since the growth of the Premier League.[LNB]But he concedes it has taken on extra importance for City who have virtually made sure of top-flight survival for another season.[LNB]He said: "Maybe the cup has lost a bit because the Premier League is all powerful for teams to concentrate on either staying up or trying to win championships.[LNB]"Arsene Wenger is on record as saying he would rather finish third than win the two cups. It shows how important the Premier League is.[LNB]"The FA Cup does not have the magic it had before the inception of the Premier League.[LNB]"As the Premier League has gained momentum, it has maybe not become as important - but, when you get to the position we are in, then all of a sudden the FA Cup has become a beautiful trophy again.[LNB]"We know there is an opportunity here but so will Derby. They will have a full house, their fans will be raising the roof.[LNB]"Our 5,500 fans will be trying to out-shout them so it has the makings of a classic cup tie and both teams will be pulling everything out to try and win it."[LNB]Blues striker Christian Benitez has recovered from the ankle injury which forced him to miss the midweek defeat at West Ham.[LNB][LNB]
