Alex McLeish has warned Birmingham's potential boo boys not to jeer former player Robbie Savage.
Blues boss pleads with fans not to boo former player
Boss Alex McLeish has warned Birmingham's potential boo boys not to encourage former player Robbie Savage when they meet Derby on Saturday.
Savage left the Blues in controversial circumstances in 2005 after opting to renew his relationship with former Wales boss Mark Hughes at Blackburn in a £3.1million deal.
Some Birmingham fans have not forgiven the 35-year-old, who enjoyed his most prolific days with the Blues, and are set to target him from the away end as the two sides meet at Pride Park in the FA Cup fifth-round.
Boss McLeish has warned, however, that Savage flourishes when being the target of abuse and instead encouraged those travelling to refrain from fuelling his renowned determination.
"I think he thrives on that," said the former Rangers boss. "That is the sort of thing that motivates him.
"It would be better if the Blues fans never shouted his name at all and gave him a silent reception. Robbie would probably be surprised by that and not play as well."
Reminder
Despite the negativity surrounding Savage's past, McLeish was keen to fire a reminder of the former Wales international's ability on the pitch and believes he is a model professional from which children can take inspiration.
"I like Robbie. I think he brings a little colour to the game. He has had a good career, he is a good player, a guy who rallies his team.
"Robbie has been playing well for Derby and he and Nigel Clough seem to have a great relationship.
"He is a great example for any young kid trying to make a career for himself in football, the desire to be something, when you see the fruits of what Robbie has done over the last few years.
"I was never a gifted player but my determination, will and drive allied to working with some very good people helped me and I am sure Savage will compliment his mentors, people he has worked with.
"He annoys the life out of the opposition and he can instigate a fight in an empty barn. He is good at that.
"Our players have got to have the maturity not to be taking the bait at all if Robbie is up to his mind games.
"We've got bigger fish to fry than having a spat with Robbie and getting involved in that. That will be taking our eye off the ball and not being professional.
"Robbie will use his mind games and experience and quite rightly. I would do so as well."
Importance
With Birmingham's Premier League status virtually assured for this season following a triumphant return to the top flight, McLeish admits the FA Cup now has added importance to their season.
"Maybe the cup has lost a bit (of importance) because the Premier League is all powerful for teams to concentrate on either staying up or trying to win championships.
"Arsene Wenger is on record as saying he would rather finish third than win the two cups. It shows how important the Premier League is.
"The FA Cup does not have the magic it had before the inception of the Premier League.
"As the Premier League has gained momentum, it has maybe not become as important - but, when you get to the position we are in, then all of a sudden the FA Cup has become a beautiful trophy again.
"We know there is an opportunity here but so will Derby. They will have a full house, their fans will be raising the roof.
"Our 5,500 fans will be trying to out-shout them so it has the makings of a classic cup tie and both teams will be pulling everything out to try and win it."
