GODFATHER MADE BIG ECK OFFER HE COULDN'T REFUSE; MAN UTD v BIRMINGHAM New Year's Day Kick-off 3pm.

Byline: By SCOTT McDERMOTT

ANDY WATSON has revealed how coaching mentor Sir Alex Ferguson would make surprise visits to Scotland's training sessions when he and Alex McLeish were in charge of the national team.

The Birmingham coach - who refers to his ex-Aberdeen boss as the Godfather of football - admits Eck still turns to the Manchester United gaffer for advice and, at times, inspiration.

But on New Year's day Watson and McLeish will take their Blues side to Old Trafford with the sole aim of putting a dent in the Reds' title bid.

However, Watson insists the trio's friendship will carry on long after the final whistle on Tuesday.

McLeish regularly called on Sir Alex during his time in charge of Rangers but Watson says when Eck became Scotland boss Fergie would visit them in the build-up to crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Andy said: "Alex has a history of success so he's a top manager in his own right but it's true he holds Sir Alex in high regard.

"Why would you not look to such a man for help and inspiration when you need it? He is the Godfather of football.

"He has given us advice before and when we were with the national team Sir Alex would come and see us at our training camps before big games.

"He has always been on our side and because of our association with him we've always wanted Sir Alex to do well. But this is one occasion where we certainly hope he doesn't.

"We both want our teams to win but it won't affect our friendships as they go back a long way."

Many believe McLeish can be the new Ferguson and eventually take over from him at United. But although Watson concedes the pair have similar characteristics he's adamant Eck is his own man.

Andy said: "When we were at Aberdeen, Sir Alex had this desire, passion and thirst for knowledge and success.

"Back then the boss was striving to make his name and break the dominance of the Old Firm.

"He had a really young Dons team at and most of us had a great hunger to do well.

"Allied to the skills we had as players Fergie harnessed that winning mentality and I believe Alex and I still have that.

"There's no doubt Alex has similar traits to the United boss but he is very much his own guy.

"He has never set out to be a clone of Sir Alex and has been successful in his own right.

"He won seven trophies at Rangers and his team was the first in Scotland to get into the last 16 of the Champions League.

"We've won leagues, Scottish Cups, League Cups, we got to finals at Hibs and became the first to separate Celtic and Rangers for a long time by coming second at Motherwell.

"So big Eck is definitely his own man." Watson can't wait to visit Old Trafford to lock horns with the old master again.

Birmingham's squad have reacted well to McLeish since he quit Scotland to fulfil his dream of coaching in the Premiership.

McLeish and his side-kick were given a hiding on their last trip to Manchester - four years ago when Rangers lost 3-0 in a Champions League clash.

But Watson is adamant the Blues can rattle United on their own patch and cause an upset.

He said: "You must believe you have a chance then set about trying to prove it.

"The Birmingham players must buy into it as well because we don't ask for anything we don't think they can produce.

"Man United are dripping with talent and when they have the ball there are certain things we'll try to do and be aware of.

"But we can't be meek and not express ourselves, "I would like to think our City team will be brave enough when we have the ball to actually do something with it."

CAPTION(S):

The sorcerer's apprentice : Alex McLeish will face Fergie as Birmingham boss after losing out to his mentor while Rangers gaffer (left); Watson: Eck's Blues brother