Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish celebrated his December Manager of the Month award watching his side draw 1-1 with Manchester United at St Andrews in one of only two Premier League fixtures that escaped the weather. The Blues boss guided his side through an unbeaten holiday period with four wins and two draw during the month. But he will not let up in his determination to maintain their push up the league.

 

"It is a reward for the hard work, dedication and professionalism shown by many people behind the scenes” he said “This is a pat on the back for everyone at this club who has given their all so far this season. But we won't allow it to affect our focus.”

Part of that focus will be on who he brings in to bolster his squad during the transfer window. Moves for Liverpool’s Ryan Babel and Aiden McGeady of Celtic no longer appear to interest the Scot, he refused to deny interest in Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones who is rumoured to be the subject of a bid of around £11M.

One player already making a big impression at St Andrews is on-loan keeper Joe Hart whose performances have brought him into contention for a World Cup spot with England. Former international number one Peter Shilton reckons that whilst Hart isn’t an automatic choice for one of the three keeper berths yet, loss of form or injury to one of the other main contenders could thrust the Manchester City youngster into the thinking of Fabio Capello.