Ferguson relishing Brum competition

By foxsports
Published

Barry Ferguson insists he will relish the challenge provided to him and Lee Bowyer by new Birmingham signing and fellow midfielder Michel.

And the former Scotland star has warned anyone moving to St Andrews will "need to be better" than the current players given the outstanding form they are showing.

Birmingham are unbeaten in 14 games and are occupying a top-10 spot in the Premier League and are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup where they take on Everton at Goodison Park.

City manager Alex McLeish signed Michel from Sporting Gijon in a £3million deal and he will be unveiled to the media at St Andrews this lunchtime ahead of the weekend clash at Portsmouth. But Ferguson, who scored the winner against Nottingham Forest in Tuesday's FA Cup replay, is unfazed by his arrival.

He said: "People say there will be competition for places with Michel coming here but that doesn't bother me.

"Competition is a healthy thing. The gaffer (McLeish) has got some money to spend so it can only be a good thing for us that we are bringing in quality players - and Michel is definitely a quality player.

"Alex McLeish is a quality manager and I am sure he'll not go and spend the money on anyone. He's been after Michel for a long while and I'm sure he'll spend the money wisely.

"There are a lot of rumours about who is coming in during January but they will need to be better than the ones who are playing just now because the guys are doing really well."

Ferguson has been used in a holding role compared to his latter days at Rangers with Bowyer being given a licence to go forward. He said: "The gaffer has brought me in and wanted me to play a position I played when I was 18 and first broke into the Rangers team.

"I'll play anywhere. As long as he is happpy with my performances, I am happy. I am not getting any younger. He is playing me in the holding midfield role which I really enjoy.

"'Bow' is making the forward runs so I'm happy to sit in front of the back two. The best season I had goal-wise was 20. I don't think that will happen now!"