ALEX McLeish has defiantly declared he can handle the pressure after an impassioned speech about his vision for Villa.

McLeish admits planned protests against him are beyond his control but insists it will not deter him from doing his best in the job.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Villa Park clash with leaders Manchester City, McLeish says his team have the support of the “silent majority”.

“I expected a rollercoaster and I knew I’d have to have thicker skin than usual,’’ he said.

‘‘But I believe I’ve got the bottle to handle down-sides because I’ve experienced it in my managerial career before. It would be great for everybody in this world to walk in and get countless millions to spend but I knew the parameters when I came in and I’m with Randy Lerner all the way on his vision for Villa.

“My vision is to get the players here at this club to be really passionate about playing for Aston Villa.

“You can’t lose that focus. You’ve got to stay true to your self.

“I know a few Villa fans at the start of the season expressed dissent at me becoming a manager.

“That is out of my control but I know the silent majority of Villa fans have been absolutely tremendous in supporting the team home and away.

“I’ve met some of the fans and I really felt their passion but I think they felt mine as well. I’m determined I’ll get it right at this club.”

Some of the manager’s critics plan an anti-McLeish protest at Villa Park before tomorrow’s visit of Roberto Mancini’s title chasers.

“It is out of my control,” said McLeish. “It is a modern-day fashion.

“There were rumours of a talk about a protest against Arsene Wenger a couple of weeks ago so I’m in pretty good company.

“At the same time, it’s not something I’m going to say I enjoy because we all like to be popular. But it’s a minority and something out of my control.