Fulham-Birmingham City Preview

Nov 19, 2009 - 5:29 PM MARK HENDRY STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has dismissed speculation linking him with a return to Scotland as national team boss ahead of Saturday's crunch Premier League clash at home to Fulham.

McLeish was rumoured to be among the favourites to replace sacked George Burley after guiding the Scots to the brink of qualification for Euro 2008.

Former Glasgow Rangers boss McLeish says he is fully focused on helping Birmingham avoid relegation.

McLeish said: "It is fantastic to be given the chance to lead your country but that is not something I am thinking about at this time.

"I am loving managing in the Premier League with Birmingham and we have a big job on making sure we retain our top-flight status. That is all that concerns me."

McLeish believes Fulham's visit to St Andrew's could be crucial to the Blues' survival hopes.

Birmingham face a hectic period of eight matches in five weeks, many of them against their bottom three rivals.

McLeish said: "I try not to look that far ahead so let's concentrate on Fulham because that is a vital game for us.

"Fulham have performed well, they're a very organised team. They've been able to build on avoiding relegation and that is what we hope to do this season: ensure survival and then progress.

"It's possible because that's what Stoke have done as well.

"We're still behind those teams in certain levels of finance and strength of squad, but are we capable of beating them? Yes, we are, and with the performances I've seen so far, definitely capable.

"These are the games that we will ultimately be judged on."

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is also looking to pledge his long-term future to Craven Cottage.

Hodgson has been a revelation since replacing Lawrie Sanchez in December 2007, masterminding a miracle last day relegation escape in his first season and into Europe last term.

The former Switzerland and Inter Milan coach has been linked with taking charge of Norway and Sweden.

Hodgson said: "There is no reason for me not to extend my contract here. The thing would be to make sure the club want me to.

"If I could feel they really want to continue along these lines and they want me to be the man to do it I do not have itchy feet at all."

Fulham are looking to build on last season's impressive ninth place finish but Hodgson is remaining cautious with his expectations.

He added: "It's worth bearing in mind. It stops you striving too hard for something you're not going to get. It keeps your feet more on the ground.

"Every season, out of 20 managers very few are going to come away with plaudits.

"I'm worried about ceilings, and I'm worried about the constant desire for progression.

"I know you've got to progress but you can start reaching too high, and in doing that you can destroy a little bit of the tradition of the club, the structure."

Fulham are without skipper Danny Murphy because of a knee injury.