Birmingham City icon Kevin Francis is now living in Canada and working as a police officer!

The 6ft 7in Brummie was a hero to fans during his time at St Andrews.

Francis, who was brought up in Small Heath, just a stone's throw from his beloved Birmingham City, emigrated in 2005, and became a trucker.

But he switched to the Calgary Police Service a couple of years ago, where his towering presence is being felt.

"It's still a bit surreal, to be honest," says Francis, who is a constable, working the beat with a buddy in a patrol car.

"It's just like you see cop shows on television. But you're actually there, involved. You're part of it and it took some getting used to."

Francis has yet to fire his Glock semi-automatic handgun in anger. But when he has drawn it, he must cut a fearsome sight.

He told the Sunday Mercury: "The job has its dangers, but it's like everything else in life. Something happens, and you might be around the corner and called to attend but don't know what you might find or what might happen.

"I've not been involved in anything like a shoot-out but I've been on the scene of an incident after gang members have been taking pot-shots at one another, and gone in to clear buildings.

"I've not pointed my gun in anger at anyone yet.

"Every day is different, I am really enjoying it and I never imagined I would be doing something like this when I was still playing."