Blues boss key for Alexander Hleb

Birmimgham new-boy Alexander Hleb has revealed manager Alex McLeish was key to his move.

The midfielder also aimed a thinly veiled jibe at Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola ahead of tomorrow's visit of Liverpool.

The Belarus ace is on a season-long loan from the Nou Camp and said McLeish's influence was crucial after Guardiola lost faith in him.

"He is a good guy and we speak like friends, I have a nice feeling. It's a different feeling from Barcelona," he said.

"Barcelona is a nice city and a fantastic team and every player is a star. But to play in Barcelona isn't difficult, you just need the coach behind you. If you don't have that there's no chance to play.

"It happened with Thierry Henry, Ibrahimovic and me. Things changed."

And the 29-year-old is hoping to make his bow at St Andrew's after initially being ruled out with an ankle injury received in Belarus' Euro 2012 qualifier with Romania on Tuesday.

"At first I thought it was bad but after treatment I'm hoping to play against Liverpool. There's a chance. I want to play if it's possible," he said.

"It's a good team and I'm happy to be playing in the Premier League. Birmingham have potential and we'll try and make something special this season."

Blues have received another boost after McLeish confirmed he is hoping to sign his new contract next week.

He said: "There are just a couple of technicalities. The figures are fine, we just have to iron out the little rough edges."