Nottingham Forest have confirmed the appointment of 53-year-old Alex McLeish as their new manager – just a day after parting company with Sean O’Driscoll.

The former Birmingham and Aston Villa boss will begin work tomorrow and will take charge of Saturday’s Championship encounter with Crystal Palace at the City Ground.

“I’m delighted to welcome Alex to our club and look forward to working with him,” Forest chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi said on the club’s website.

“Alex took Birmingham to promotion from the Championship and has great experience of working in the Premier League.”

McLeish said: “The fact that a club of Forest’s magnitude has offered me a job excites me greatly – it’s a wonderful opportunity. I can’t wait to get started.”