Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish admits they had the inside-running to sign Ben Foster from Manchester United last week.

McLeish's close relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson - he played under him at Aberdeen - helped him to win the race to sign Foster.

McLeish said: "We stole a march on rivals because of one or two connections I've got at Old Trafford. There were offers for Ben in January from other Premier League clubs.

"A deal didn't get done and that's to our good fortune. To lose someone like Joe, but then get someone in like Ben, is absolutely fantastic for Birmingham City."