Sebastian Larsson backed at Blues

Sebastian Larsson will stay at Birmingham for the rest of the season - with boss Alex McLeish urging fans to back the winger during the Carling Cup semi-final second leg.

Larsson, whose contract at St Andrew's runs out in the summer, has been the subject of interest from Newcastle and Blackburn during the transfer window.

But a deal failed to materialise however and now the Sweden international will remain at the club until the end of the campaign.

However, Larsson was booed by Blues fans after coming on as a second-half substitute during Saturday's 5-0 drubbing by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

But the winger could start tonight's cup tie against West Ham at St Andrew's, as Tottenham loanee David Bentley is ineligible, and McLeish wants fans to get off his back with the team trailing 2-1 from the first leg.

He said: "The stick Sebastian got was disappointing. I would like to think the fans will not jeer him. It is the way football is in the modern day.

"I don't think there is a great desire for him to leave the club but he has got to do what is right for him and his family.

"We must respect that and I would love the fans to give him a rousing reception if he is playing."

McLeish believes the home supporters will have a major role to play as his side look to come from behind and reach the Wembley final.

He added: "We know what we have to do. We are a goal down but we are at St Andrew's. The crowd were fantastic at Old Trafford when we probably didn't deserve it.

"But it shows what they can do when they put themselves right into it. There is no doubt St Andrew's has been a hostile place for teams over the years.

"If the fans can give us that support, give the lads an extra bit of energy, suck the life out of the opposition, then that can help us as well.

"There is no underestimating what the home support can do."

McLeish brushed off suggestions that his reputation is on the line after a season where, despite doing well in the cup competitions, Blues are hovering just above the Premier League relegation places.

He said: "If you worry, you die. If you don't worry, you die. But I'm a conscientious person and, if you are conscientious, it means you care.

"I care about Blues fans and Birmingham City FC."