McFadden couldn't turn down the chance to link up with McLeish at Birmingham

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The Scot named the man who had given him the chance to shine for his country during the qualification games for next year's European Championship as the prime motivation behind his switch from Everton.

McFadden, 24, scored three goals during McLeish's 12-month tenure as Scotland manager - including his glorious long-range strike to defeat France in Paris - but more importantly he was given a significant platform upon which to showcase his talents.

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That had rarely been provided by Everton boss David Moyes in recent months, a fact that the midfielder-cum-striker admitted partial responsibilty for.

But it was the McLeish factor that made him the second most expensive signing in the Blues' history behind £6.25m forward Emile Heskey four years ago. "It wasn't a tough decision," he said after agreeing a three-and-a-half-year deal. "As soon as I knew Alex McLeish was interested and he showed the levels of commitment he did, it was easy for me.

"The first attraction was the manager - because I have worked with him before and know what to expect. He seemed to get the best out of me when I played for Scotland and hopefully he can continue to do that on a weekly basis. He instils a lot of confidence in you and a lot of belief which are the main qualities I think he has.

"The experience I had with him at Scotland was great and he did well for me. To pay that sort of money for me was massive and just shows how much he wanted me and hopefully I can repay him. "

"It is a big challenge and a chance to play regularly and hopefully I can rise to it. "

Because the signing was completed before noon today, McFadden will be eligible to play against Chelsea at St Andrew's on Saturday.

And McLeish said: "He is a player who is not fazed. I don't think he is frightened of anything or what he may face.

"He is a cocky type of Scot who has the confidence you would want to see in a player.

"Sometimes in Scotland we put ourselves down a wee bit and we shouldn't.

"We tried to get the nation on a confident high and people like McFadden really helped the Scottish nation to be positive and support the national team right until the really last minute of the last qualifying campaign.

"He is the type of person who makes Scots feel good about themselves.

"He is high in self esteem. We are all human and he has great years at Everton and some times when he has felt he has had to leave. "Now is the time for that and him to leave."

Blues striker Garry O'Connor is relishing the chance of reigniting his partnership with McFadden in the Scotland side at club level.

He said: "This is a great positive for Birmingham. I've worked with James in the past and he is a fantastic player. It is a great addition to the squad.

"He plays in any position - midfield or striker - so he is great to have him in the team.

"We played a couple of times together for Scotland and James never loses the ball and he has got that passion and commitment towards the game.

"He fights for every ball. He has got that attitude that if he loses the ball, he gets so frustrated and has to run back and chase people.

"He has got that little bit of quality which you have seen at international level and now probably in the Premier League. He can score fantastic goals from anywhere on the pitch."

Following on from the signing of David Murphy (from Hibs) and McFadden McLeish is pressing ahead with his attempt to sign Aston Villa central defender Gary Cahill after being given permission to speak to him by Martin O'Neill.