Source: Daily_Mail
McLeish proud to reach first Birmingham final in 55 years
Alex McLeish revealed his pride at leading Birmingham to their first major Wembley final for 55 years tonight.[LNB]Blues looked on their way out of the Carling Cup when a Carlton Cole goal meant they trailed 3-1 on aggregate to West Ham in the second leg of the semi-final at St Andrew's.[LNB]But goals from Lee Bowyer and Roger Johnson forced the game into extra-time before life-long City fan Craig Gardner scored the winner.[LNB] Proud: McLeish was over the moon to manage Birmingham to their first major Wembley final in 55 years[LNB] The half-time introduction of Serbian striker Nikola Zigic helped turned the game in Birmingham's favour.[LNB]McLeish said: 'It was a really exciting moment for me when the final whistle went in realising what myself, my staff, the players and everyone has achieved.[LNB]'It was a magnificent second half and to walk a team out at Wembley will be one of the proudest moments of my career.[LNB]'The first half was a huff and puff job from us and they looked quite comfortable and Cole scored an amazing goal.[LNB]'I thought at half-time "we are out of the cup, we have to make changes, change the tactics and approach."[LNB]'Nikola Zigic had his best game for the club and was much more aggressive and he realises what it takes to be a success in England and that is the best I've seen him.[LNB]'He was almost unplayable. He was verging on that.'[LNB]Blues will face Arsenal in the final and McLeish recognises the Gunners will be red hot favourites.[LNB]He said: 'They will be hot favourites and have been for a couple of rounds now but you never know.[LNB]'It is XI v XI. We will try and get the tactics and strategy right and try and cause a major upset.[LNB]'We have to embrace what comes along and try and deal with it.'[LNB] Birmingham 3 West Ham 1: Gardner sends Blues through to WembleyBirmingham look to hijack Leicester deal for Villa's Curtis DaviesLIVE: Birmingham 3 West Ham 1 and Liverpool 1 Fulham 0 - the action as it happenedSullivan and Gold to stay away from St Andrew's for fear of jinxing West Ham[LNB] Explore more:People: Craig Gardner, Roger Johnson, Lee Bowyer, Alex McLeish Places: Birmingham, United Kingdom
