Blues face a daunting task on their return to the Barclays Premier League as they face Ferguson's champions Manchester United at Old Trafford.

McLeish has a good relationship with Ferguson having played under him at Aberdeen.

As a youngster McLeish was persuaded by Ferguson to continue in football rather than pursue an alternative career in accountancy and the pair have remained close since.

McLeish even consulted Ferguson when he quit the Scotland national post to take over at St Andrews in 2007 and that decision now brings them into contact as rival managers.

McLeish admits he could hardly have been handed a tougher assignment to start the season.

"If it was only about me and the boss, then maybe it might be a more even fight," McLeish said.

"But he has got untold riches in terms of ability, financial clout, technical ability, speed, strength - he has everything.

"They are a top, top club in everything they do.

"For us to compete with Manchester United is going to be very difficult but that is the challenge that faces every team that plays them.

"They are the champions, everywhere they go they are feted, and we are going into the lions' den this weekend.

"Our players will need to punch above their weight."

Birmingham are hampered by a lengthy injury list and a dreadful record against United having not beaten them since 1978.

They also travel there without a handful of players including defenders Liam Ridgewell, Martin Taylor, Scott Dann, Giovanny Espinoza and David Murphy.

That means new signing Roger Johnson could be paired with Franck Queudrue in the centre of defence with new signing Gregory Vignal making his debut at left-back.

Striker Cameron Jerome has tried to make light of the problems and believes City are still capable of pulling off a shock win.

The 22-year-old said: "The manager has got defensive cover and I'm sure the players who maybe weren't down to start will be relishing the chance to come in and try to cement a place in the team.

"It is all about competition and we have a good squad here and I am sure whoever comes in will give their all.

"The first game was always going to be a big game, and it is especially so as we have got the champions.

"But it could be the best time to play them, first game of the season.

"We are going there full of optimism, we have not got to be scared of the opposition.

"The fans will be expecting them to push us over but we are not going to go there and lie down. We are going to give it a good go.

"We are going there with confidence we can hold our own and maybe cause an upset there."

Birmingham must also make do without Lee Bowyer through suspension while Marcus Bent is also injured.

Jerome might also have to wait to link up with Christian Benitez for the first time, with the Ecuador striker set to start from the bench after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Jerome said: "He has only trained with us a little bit because he is still getting his fitness and the manager is not going to rush him.

"People will have to be patient with him and give him time to settle.

"But if he proves the player everyone thinks he is it will be another weapon for our artillery.

"We've heard he has pace, tricky and is explosive. I'm looking forward to playing with him."