ALEX MCLEISH admits he has rediscovered his passion for the game - despite bringing an end to his time in Belgium after just one season.

The former Rangers boss will leave Genk at the end of the campaign just months after he made the switch to the continent alongside ex-Ibrox star Alex Rae.

McLeish made the move to the Cristal Arena after having mixed fortunes in England with Birmingham City and Aston Villa and an ill-fated spell in charge of Nottingham Forest.

The Scot improved the performance of his side as he lifted them from 14th in the Pro League and brought through a number of young players into the first team.

But, after missing out on a top six finish this season, the 56-year-old has decided not to remain in charge for next term.

And McLeish, who had a hugely successful spell in charge at Ibrox, admits his Genk experience has been an eye-opening one as he gets set for another challenge in the dugout.

He said: "I would rule nothing out. It is a game where you never stop learning.

"For a couple of years, the game knocked the stuffing out of me and football can do that to you at times, you can become a bit cynical.

"I am galvanised after this job, I feel I have contributed a lot and hopefully left a legacy with the young players that have come through.

"They have to make some changes as well. They have appointed a new sporting director, it is the first time I have worked with a sporting director and it is very different to the way we do it back home.

"I have really enjoyed it, I have rediscovered the passion that I had after a couple of jobs that knocked the stuffing out of me a little bit and drained me a bit.

"I really would advise any coaches in England or Scotland to try something in Europe. It is a different culture.

"You find different mindsets here, it is different in terms of the way of thinking."