Arsenal 1 Birmingham City 2: Birmingham joy after late error kills Arsenal dream

McLeish enjoyed plenty of success north of the border with Rangers when he was part of a two-horse race for trophies with Celtic.

But he helped Blues overcome their tag as underdogs to topple Arsene Wenger’s side.

Extra-time was looming when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny spilled Nikola Zigic’s knockdown after Laurent Koscielny’s mis-kick and substitute Obafemi Martins slotted home in front of the Blues fans to send the Midlands club into Europe as Wenger’s quest for a first trophy in six years went on.

It was, though, no more than the Blues deserved following a battling display as Arsenal, without injured captain Cesc Fabregas and England winger Theo Walcott, once more failed to deliver when it mattered most.

McLeish said: “Relatively speaking, it is my greatest achievement.

“With Glasgow Rangers I was expected to win trophies, even though it is difficult against Celtic.

“To come to England and for a club like Birmingham to beat the might of Arsenal is a dream come true.

“It is especially so for the fans who have had a long wait, those long-suffering Blues fans.

“No one gave us a prayer, we were underdogs. But sometimes the bookies don’t get it right.

“After the goal I really did have the vision of the cup in my hands.”

It was a perfect day for Birmingham owner Carson Yeung, who was celebrating his 51st birthday.

McLeish said: “It’s a fantastic birthday present for Carson. He must think it’s easy being an owner of a football club – we finish ninth in the Premier League and then win the Carling Cup – but he has been supportive.”

McLeish admits Birmingham have no major celebrations planned until after next weekend’s league clash with West Brom, with a civic reception provisionally arranged for next Sunday.

He said: “We didn’t plan anything. We have reserved next weekend, the day after the West Brom game, for celebrations.

“The West Brom game is another cup final.”

Birmingham keeper Ben Foster repeated his 2009 achievement with Manchester United against Tottenham in being voted the man of the match for the final.

Foster pulled off a string of superb saves to help Blues triumph.

He said: “We kept plugging away and got what I think we deserved. It was a fantastic result.

“Going into games like this with United, it is expected you will be winning trophies and winning matches.

“But, with a team like Birmingham, it is against all odds and we are not expected to win.

“It is just a great achievement to get here, and to actually win it against a quality side like Arsenal is amazing.”

City can now look forward to attempting to qualify for the Europa League via next summer’s qualifying rounds.

Foster said: “When I signed, I was just relieved to be playing first-team football.

“It has gone from strength to strength for me. I am delighted to be playing with a team like Birmingham. The team spirit is amazing.

“Europe is something to look forward to next year but we just need to kick on and get a few more wins in the league.”

Arsene Wenger revealed goalkeeper Szczesny and centre-half Koscielny were left “destroyed” after their last-minute mix-up cost Arsenal the chance of Carling Cup glory.

“Both of them (Koscielny and Szczesny) are destroyed,” said Wenger. “We have to lift them up again and help them, that is what a team is about, that is part of the game.”

On the costly mistake, Wenger said: “It was a lack of communication, determination a little bit as well. Like always, when the ball is in no-man’s land, someone has to take responsibility and go for it.

“What was amazing (was that) no-one was going for the ball from Birmingham.”

After Szczesny should have been sent off for fouling Lee Bowyer inside the opening moments, but was saved by an incorrect flag from the assistant referee, Zigic had headed the Blues in front on 28 minutes.

Robin van Persie equalised with a fine volley, but would later go off carrying a knee injury which could see him miss the Champions League clash in Barcelona on March 8.

However, the Arsenal fightback failed to materialise as Wenger’s men could not make the most of their possession and eventually hit the self-destruct button with no time to respond.

Wenger continued: “I am bitterly disappointed, like the whole team.

“We had some problems to start the game, the number of games we played caught up a little bit on us. It took us a while to get into the rhythm and pace of the game.

“In the second half we were on top, unfortunately we couldn’t score the second goal and, in the end, we made a mistake that left us no time at all to respond.”

Arsenal were crestfallen at the final whistle, but Wenger must now lift his side for an FA Cup fifth-round replay against Leyton Orient before the return leg of their European tie in the Nou Camp to ensure another season which promises so much does not once more end in bitter disappointment all round.

“Congratulations to Birmingham, they took advantage of the mistake and they took the trophy which hurts us tremendously,” said Wenger. “We have to be proud of our attitude, continue with our belief, pick ourselves up and face the other challenges we have. We will face a lot of questions after that mistake tonight, but we have to be strong enough to stand up.

“It is a good opportunity to show that we have the mental strength to respond to the situation like that.”