Blues can ease pain of Peter Grant

New Birmingham assistant manager Peter Grant believes Blues can ease the pain of his Celtic exit.

The ex-Albion first team coach joined Alex McLeish at St Andrew's this month, after being axed by the Glasgow giants along with boss Tony Mowbray in March.

And Grant is hopging his new Blues career can help him forget the heartache of leaving Celtic, a club where he made 470 appearances as a player.

He said: "It did hurt. That was probably one of the reasons why I was a wee bit concerned about going in the first place.

"It was always a concern of mine. People may find that strange as it's a club close to my heart. But in many respects, you know that if things don't work out then you'll never feel the same again.

"I suppose being a supporter never leaves you, the same disappointment is there."

The 44-year-old linked up with Blues on their tour of China and Hong Kong - where they won their final match 2-0 against Liaoning Hongyun on Saturday - but admits his presence was touch and go.

Grant was only given the go-ahead to join Blues as he reached the airport after Celtic finally released him from his contract, who had placed him on gardening leave.

He said: "It was incredible. I got the job, I turned up to speak to Alex and I was on the flight.

"I met him while boarding the flight."