McLeish won 19 trophies in Scotland as both player and manager for Aberdeen and Glasgow Rangers but said that it had been a dream to beat a team of Arsenal’s quality at Wembley.
“Relatively speaking, it is my greatest achievement,” he said. “At Glasgow Rangers I was expected to win trophies, albeit it is difficult against Celtic. No one gave us a prayer but it shows that the bookies do sometimes get it wrong.
“To come to England, to win my first trophy — and for a small club like Birmingham to beat the might of Arsenal — is a dream come true.
We had a game-plan that was executed brilliantly.”
Foster, who produced a man-of-the-match performance in this League Cup final, said: “Apart from the birth of my two children that was the greatest feeling of my life.
Unbelievable. They might have quality players but we had greater team spirit.” Foster also had words of support for Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, whose mix-up with Laurent Koscielny led to Birmingham’s winner.
“He has to put this behind him because he is an amazing prospect.”
Birmingham are also now guaranteed a place in the Europa League next season. McLeish immediately told club owner Carson Yeung, who was celebrating his birthday on Sunday, that the squad will need further strengthening.
“We are proud and honoured but it is not without problems because you we will need to develop the squad further,” he said.
McLeish also praised the focus of his players, notably Lee Bowyer, after Birmingham were denied a penalty and his midfielder was on the receiving end of a dangerous Koscielny challenge.
“We all threw a strop but we gathered the team at half-time and said we must regain our composure and discipline,” he said.
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