Haggis

McLeish quits as Scots boss:

Alex McLeish has resigned as manager of Scotland as he readies himself to become the new boss of Birmingham City.


The Premier League outfit has called a press conference for Wednesday morning, where McLeish will be unveiled as the club's latest incumbent.


Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith confirmed McLeish had quit the international post on Tuesday afternoon, paving the way for his move to the Midlands.


Smith said: "We are very disappointed to lose Alex as our manager."


Scottish FA president George Peat added: "It is with regret that I can confirm that Alex McLeish has notified the Scottish FA that he has resigned from his position as national team coach with immediate effect.


"I am disappointed that Alex has chosen this course of action.


"He is an outstanding manager who has done a fantastic job with the national team."


The SFA had earlier refused the Premier League club permission to talk to McLeish after they made contact with City co-owner David Sullivan over the weekend.


They had also called an emergency board meeting for Wednesday morning when they were expected to offer McLeish an improved deal.


But McLeish is understood to have agreed a deal which has dwarfed his current salary of around £350,000.


Birmingham have been keen to find a replacement for Steve Bruce, who quit the club last week to join Wigan Athletic.