Alex McLeish insisted that the presence of Steve McManaman at Birmingham City was no problem to him whatsoever, reports the Birmingham Mail. McLeish, McManaman and Sammy Yu met at an hotel a fortnight ago and McManaman stressed he was not interested in becoming manager or having a coaching position.

"I met Steve in the city a couple of weeks ago," said McLeish. "We had a chat, a cup of tea.

"Steve just emphasised that he's right behind us. He's a big supporter of Birmingham, Carson and the guys. He knows them well and he's not in it to interfere. But if there's anything he can help us with, he will.

"If Steve can even help with one per cent, then we'll take it." McMananam first got to know Yeung and Yu through contacts in the Far East.

He became an executive director of Yeung's Grandtop International Holdings firm, the Blues takeover vehicle.

Although he hasn't got a title as such, his role in the new regime at St Andrew's has been described as an ambassador and to help player development.

"He's there for us as a contact," said McLeish. "If I need to know something in Spain, for example, that I can't find out through my other sources, then I will not hesitate to pick up the phone to Steve. He's a good lad; I like him."