Birmingham finished a club record ninth in the Premier League under McLeish

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish believes his club will benefit from Barry Ferguson's decision not to come out of international retirement.

Scotland coach Craig Levein had tried to persuade the 32-year-old midfielder to reconsider but without success.

And his club manager believes his decision will help him with the physical demands of the Premier League.

"It's good news for me and Birmingham because of the demands of the Premier League on a player," said McLeish.

McLeish, Scotland manager between January and November 2007, had advised Ferguson last season that playing again for Scotland could impact on performances for Birmingham.

It's good news for me and Birmingham because of the demands of the Premier League on a player Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish

"Barry was magnificent for us last season and hopefully he will be able to maintain an edge, freshness and sharpness by playing just for Birmingham," he said.

"I am not saying he wouldn't have been able to do that had he played for Scotland but it would certainly have been a test for him.

"He was immense for us and we hope he can do the same again."

The Birmingham boss also added that he felt Ferguson had been placed in an impossible situation following his involvement in the 'Boozegate' scandal that resulted in him and then-Ibrox team-mate Allan McGregor being banned from the Scotland squad.

"Barry has taken everything into account. He was in a situation where he couldn't win," he said.

"If he had agreed to go back, no doubt lots of people would have been saying it's a disgrace and things likes that.

"But he's also being criticised in some areas now for not going back. Like I said, it was a no-win situation for him."

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