The former Tottenham and Liverpool forward was almost brought to Birmingham City by the Scottish boss 12 months ago but the deal never came to fruition, with the 31-year-old forward joining West Ham on a short-term deal instead.

McLeish hinted the MLS star could arrive at Villa Park next week on a two-month loan from the Los Angeles club, as he looks to bolster his striking options at Villa Park.

"It is not far away but I don't like to commit myself until it actually is done," he told reporters.

"The club have sanctioned the deal. They didn't think it was too bad an idea or too big a risk."

"I missed out on Robbie last year although it was probably fortunate because he got injured just after that."

"But Robbie has got good experience, he is good in the dressing room and he is highly motivated."

"He has got a certain competition to play at the end of the season with his country (Euro 2012) so he wants to maintain his level."

"He wants to come here and we would be trying to get things cleared for next week."

The Villa boss admitted he has been delighted with Stephen Ireland's recent performances and wants the midfielder to continue his rich vein of form.

"We haven't seen the best of Stevie but there has been a little bit of a glimpse of that in the last couple of games and long may that continue," McLeish said.

"He has now set the benchmark and has got to keep playing at that level because he definitely brings something to the party."

"If Stevie can deliver those sort of performances, he can open doors at the back. He is a good footballer."

"But it also helps if he puts himself around. The Villa fans applauded him when he got stuck in against Arsenal."

"That side of the game is something the fans adore players doing."

"We are trying to help Stevie to master that side of his game as well and he is doing that well."

McLeish was booed for substituting the former Manchester City midfielder in their 2-0 home loss to Swansea City on Monday, but admitted he understands the fans' frustrations.

"I can understand the fans doing that," he said. "Stevie was tired and came out of nowhere to play half a game against Arsenal, a full one against Chelsea and then 70 minutes in the Swansea game."

"The one thing I don't want to do, especially with a small squad experience-wise, is to lose someone like Ireland to injury especially when he is playing well."

The West Midlands side face Bristol Rovers away on Saturday evening and McLeish - who guided Birmingham to Carling Cup victory last season - is well aware of the problems the League Two side will pose.

"I know it was a long time ago when the club last won the cup (1957) but we certainly are aware of all the giant-killing feats," the former Scotland coach said.

"We don't want to have any room for complacency at the weekend. It's a potential banana skin."

"I can remember all my own exploits, winning the cup five times as a player with Aberdeen, and going into similar ties."

"The opposition will be saying 'let's see if they fancy it' and they get in your face. You have to roll your sleeves up and show your mettle."

"We are live on TV as well and I'm sure there will be some people loving to see some cup upsets this season but we've got to make sure we are not one of them."

"We need a professional job, no room for complacency, and we will play as strong a team as possible."