Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has backed former Scotland captain Barry Ferguson to shine in the English Premiership after finally getting his hands on his fellow countryman.

The 31-year-old, who enjoyed two spells with Rangers making almost 300 SPL appearances for the Glasgow giants, has put pen to paper on a three-year deal after his time with the Ibrox club came to a sour end following his behaviour while on international duty earlier this year.

But former Rangers boss McLeish insists Ferguson's talent for the game will shine through at the Midlands club, he said: "For me Barry is a midfielder at his peak. I don't think 31 is too old for a central midfielder of great experience.

"Players like Gordon Strachan and Gary McAllister continued playing into their late 30s and these were guys who weren't afraid of the ball. I think Barry can play on for a good few years yet.

"He's a guy that always turned up for work. By that I mean that his appearances over the years have always been fantastic.

"Barry has got the culture of the true-grit Brit, who will go through brick walls to play football. He has a winning mentality, and that's proven by all the winners medals he's won."