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Page last updated at 11:39 GMT, Thursday, 29 April 2010 12:39 UK

Alex McLeish keen to stay as Birmingham manager

Birmingham's Alex McLeish
McLeish says he is in no rush to sign a new deal at Birmingham

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has played down rumours linking him to other jobs, saying he is happy at St Andrew's.

The Scot, 51, has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Rafael Benitez if he leaves Liverpool this summer.

"If you are talking about me being linked with big clubs, it's nice that my name is mentioned," McLeish said.

"At the moment I am concentrating on Birmingham, certainly for [the rest of] this season and the next couple of years at least."

The former Scotland, Rangers and Hibernian boss suggested his track record might not be strong enough for the likes of Liverpool, anyway.

"These clubs will be going for names of people who have been a little bit more successful than me in the game," he added.

"I've had some success but maybe they are looking at a different kind of level, European success, English titles."

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McLeish joined Birmingham in November 2007 but was unable to save them from relegation that season.

However, he guided Blues to promotion from the Championship last season, and they are on course for a top-10 Premier League finish in this campaign.

His current deal expires next summer but he began talks over new contract with Birmingham owner Carson Yeung last month.

But McLeish reflected: "There is plenty of time. People outside seem to be more anxious about getting it done.

"The club and I are relaxed about it, there has been no real hurry."



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see also
McLeish in Blues contract talks
18 Mar 10 |  Birmingham


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