Alex McLeish's ringing endorsement

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is due to sign his new contract this week with a ringing endorsement from striker Cameron Jerome.

McLeish is expected to sign a new long-term contract after months of talks between the boss and the board.

And Jerome, who was brought in by previous boss Steve Bruce from Cardiff in 2006, has hailed the Blues manager.

He said: "The gaffer has done a magnificent job since he has been here. Last season was his first full one in the Premier League.

''When he came we were halfway through a campaign so you have to give him his credit for last season.

"He has brought Birmingham on, on a shoestring budget really, and pushed us into mid-table. We have started strongly again this year.

"Everyone here knows what a good job he has done and we are on the up."