A TOP Redditch junior football coach has pulled a few strings which could see Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce in town on Friday.

Naheed Khan, head football coach for the Sports Development Unit at Redditch Council, was given the VIP treatment at the England v Holland international at Villa Park two weeks ago and managed to meet a few new contacts.

The Webheath based coach met former Manchester United coach Eric Harrison - one of the pillars of the Red Devils youth academy - along with Middlesborough defender Gareth Southgate at the friendly international.

In the discussions Harrison said he would like hold a training session with a few selected youngsters and added that he might also bring his old mate Bruce with him.

A session has been organised at Trinity High School at 12.30pm on Friday, February 18 but whether Bruce will be there was still a mystery at the time the Advertiser went to press.

Khan, who has been involved with junior coaching for more than 20 years said: "This is recognition to the hundreds of young lads who take time off every Sunday and Thursday to come and do some tough training."

Khan could also be on the shortlist for the Asian Coach of the Year award. If he gets through he could be in with a chance of training with the full England set up.

The coach has also been sponsored by McDonalds to head a group of coaches countrywide to encourage youngsters into football.

The coaching programme sees the youngsters being taught the importance of fitness, rules of the game, teamwork and to achieve to the best of their ability.