Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has defended James McFadden following criticism from Scotland boss Craig Levein.
Levein claims the 27-year-old has been guilty of not contributing enough when on international duty, with the player being replaced at half-time of the recent win over Liechtenstein.
But following Blues’ goalless drew with Liverpool on Sunday, McLeish claimed McFadden is one of the hardest workers at St Andrew’s and that he would never give anything less than 100% for his country.
The former Scotland manager said: “I’ve worked with James for a long time now and he is actually one of the best trainers at the club.
“I can show you James’ figures and they are way up there in terms of sports science. If anything he probably does too much training.
“I don’t think there should be any aspersions cast against James. He would walk over the hot coals to play for Scotland.
“The last year has been typical James McFadden. He has been mercurial for Scotland, a real talisman and the Tartan Army love him – and he loves them back.
“James deserves respect and I am sure him and Craig will go on to have a good relationship.
“I am not going to take Craig Levein to task because he criticised one of my players. I will continue to manage players my way and Craig has got to do it his way.”