Characters needed for Birmingham, m

Alex McLeish is placing the emphasis on quality rather than quantity as he looks for players to aid Birmingham’s Premier League survival battle.

He sees his side sitting in 11th place in the Premier League, six points above the relegation places, and there are rumours that he could have £20-£40 million available to spend after the club was taken over by Carson Yeung in recent months.

The former Scotland manager said he needs players to be characters in order to enhance the side which he has put together at St Andrews, adding that quality was needed to develop his squad but only if the right player is available.

The Blues upset the football odds by beating West Midlands rivals Wolves 1-0 at the weekend to prolong a five-match unbeaten run and are due to visit Wigan in the next round of Premier League games.

McLeish said he was pleased with how his side is playing and can see the squad developing as they aim to maintain their Premier League status.

"I've got a few winners in the dressing room, people who have a never-say-die attitude. The players deserve a pat on the back for their determination, application and attitude,” he said.

“There are loads of points to be won between now and the end of the season and it is too early to judge any outcome at the moment.”

Birmingham were dealt a blow last week when it was revealed that striker Garry O’Connor is to miss several months of the season with hip problems resulting from a operation to cure a groin injury.