Alex McLeish has urged Birmingham fans to recreate the intimidating atmosphere of past seasons at St Andrews as new owner Carson Yeung prepares for his first home match at the helm.

McLeish believes the takeover at Blues by Hong Kong businessman Yeung has rekindled interest among the club's supporters.

Yeung will welcome McLeish's predecessor, Steve Bruce, back to City for the first time with Sunderland for Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash.

McLeish said: "I am delighted with the enthusiasm that has been generated this last week or so and the fans are buzzing.

"People are looking forward with anticipation. It is a new era.

"I personally would love to see the packed houses at St Andrews, and see the Birmingham fans getting back to their support of a few years ago.

"I visited St Andrews in those days and saw them intimidating the opposition and roaring on the home team and giving them extra energy.

"Now it sounds as if the fans are ready to back us again. You listen to the media and phone-ins and it appears a lot of fans are willing to come and support us."

McLeish is happy overall with Birmingham's performances so far on their return to the top flight and feels they have deserved a greater reward.

He said: "We haven't picked up as many points as we would have liked. We have probably deserved better with some of our performances."