Birmingham caretaker-manager Eric Black has quit the midlands club and intends to link up with Steve Bruce at Wigan.

The way now appears clear for Birmingham to step up their plans to bring in Alex McLeish - who has quit as Scotland boss - as Bruce's replacement.

Black was understood last week to be a strong contender to become Bruce's successor when the former Blues boss left for Wigan earlier this month, and he was in charge for Saturday's home game with Portsmouth.

But a meeting with the Birmingham board after the 2-0 defeat left Black with no assurances over his future and now he has decided to call time on his two-and-a-half-year spell at St Andrews.

Black has built up a close bond with Bruce after becoming his number two in succession to Mark Bowen, who has since joined Blackburn.

The club confirmed Black's departure on their official website.

A statement read: "Birmingham City Football Club can confirm that Erick Black has been released by the club to join Wigan Athletic.

"Black will link up with former Blues boss Steve Bruce at the Latics.

"He had been at St Andrews since July 2004 and leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club."

More news from SportingLife.com