Birmingham City

Alex McLeish believes Birmingham midfielder James McFadden is vital to the future of the midlands club - regardless of which division they are playing in next season. McLeish has welcomed McFadden's pledge to stay with City irrespective of whether or not they retain their Barclays Premier League status. He paid 5million to Everton for McFadden during the January transfer window and the Scotland international responded with four goals and several assists before he suffered a knee injury. But McFadden showed his commitment to Blues with a return ahead of schedule after undergoing keyhole surgery. McLeish said: "It is great that James has said he will stay. He has nailed his colours to the mast. He is the type of person and player I would like to have at Birmingham City. I'm still positive in terms of the outcome this weekend and we have seen many twists and turns on the last day of a season in years gone by."