Scotland boss Alex McLeish is delighted to see Garry O'Connor moving from Lokomotiv Moscow to Birmingham City.

"It's great for Garry, and also for his family, that he is coming back to the UK," said McLeish. "It was hard for his partner in Moscow, because Lokomotiv went away to training camp for four days at a time and she was left on her own. I'd suggested to him trying to get another member of the family or one of her friends out there to stay with her, but it just wasn't feasible.

"I think she will be absolutely delighted at moving back to the UK. You would like to think that if your family has peace of mind, it is going to give you confidence in your life on the pitch.

"I'll give you a recent example of that. Brian Laudrup was scunnered in Italy, but when he came to Rangers his family life was idyllic in Scotland. Therefore, he produced on the pitch. Yes, the SPL is weaker than Serie A, but, at the same time, it didn't stop him going to World Cups and European Championships to destroy world-class defenders."

McLeish, speaking at the Bank of Scotland Soccer One finals for boys' first year secondary pupils in Coatbridge, believes O'Connor has nonetheless benefited from his time in Russia and now has all the attributes necessary to succeed in the top tier of English football.

"I think he can make an impact in the Premier League," said McLeish. "He is two-footed, good in the air and mobile, so I don't see why not. It depends on where Birmingham play him. A lot of managers are going for the 4-5-1 system at the moment and I'm sure Garry can play up front on his own if need be, as long as he gets some support from the midfielders or wingers.

"He has improved his game since moving to Russia, without a doubt. He is now showing more game awareness. His confidence took a huge boost from scoring the winner in the Russian Cup final.

"With the mobility and touch he has got, there was no hesitation in making him a part of things for Scotland and he made a real impact in our last two games. He knows he has now set a standard and that he has to maintain it in every game.

"With the right guidance from Steve Bruce and Eric Black at Birmingham, hopefully he can become even better. He can be a real force in the Premier League."