McLeish backs Birmingham to focus

McLeish says off-the-field events will not affect his team (Getty)

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish insists the off-field problems at the club will prove no distraction to his players.

The club's co-owner David Sullivan and managing director Karren Brady were arrested and released on bail by the City of London Police on Wednesday.

"My reaction is to carry on as normal and make sure that this football team gives a good performance on Saturday [against Everton]," said McLeish.

"We let ourselves down last week and we have to bounce back again."

I'm sure everything will be all right for Karren and David, but I've got to concentrate on football matters Birmingham boss Alex McLeish

McLeish added: "We've done it many times, so the proof is there of that, and I think the players owe themselves, if not the Birmingham fans and their families, a performance."

Regarding the arrests, McLeish said: "Obviously it was a little bit of a surprise, but it's not something that I'm going to concern myself with.

"I'm sure everything will be all right for Karren and David, but I've got to concentrate on football matters, and totally not get involved or embroiled in any of these other administrative matters at all."