ROB KIERNAN has hit back at ‘cheeky’ Birmingham City after Blues boss Gary Rowett claimed he ‘disappeared halfway through a medical’.

The defender was on the brink of signing a deal at St Andrews earlier this summer before Mark Warburton made a late swoop to bring him to Ibrox.

City initially claimed that a failed medical was the reason for the move falling through before Rowett said a player had ‘disappeared’ and then ‘ended up in Scotland two days later signing for another team’.

The 24-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan in the Midlands and has become an integral part of Warburton’s plans as Rangers have made a superb start to the campaign.

Kiernan said: “I spotted some comments from the Birmingham manager. I completed the medical so to hear someone say I didn’t is disappointing.

"I liked my time there and don’t want to fall out with anyone but it was a little bit cheeky to hear lies.

“I completed that medical and had the confirmation. I was due to sign the next day but things didn’t happen and I’m here. It’s a lie to say I didn’t complete the medical or walked out during it.

“I respect Gary Rowett for giving me a chance to play for him and I did well for him. I don’t want anything to sour that.”