Birmingham boss Alex McLeish saluted a "world class" finish from Lee Bowyer as his side extended their unbeaten run to four games with victory over Fulham.
Bowyer put the icing on an outstanding performance by netting the 16th-minute decider after latching onto a pass from James McFadden. The former England midfielder has made a big impact since initially moving to the West Midlands on loan in January and then completing a permanent move from Upton Park during the summer on a free transfer.
"The goal was the one bit of class we produced in the game. It was trademark Lee Bowyer," said McLeish. "It was a late run onto a great pass and the execution was world-class."
He added: "When Lee first came here, I got some people raising their eyebrows saying his legs had gone and he was not the same player.
"But he has proved a lot of people wrong. He can run all day, has class about him, and is a real leader."
City have now taken eight points from the last 12 to climb away from the bottom three.
McLeish is full of praise for the commitment and determination once again evident in his players, particularly the centre-back pairing of Roger Johnson and Scott Dann.
The former Scotland manager said: "It was an indication of the type of player we have got here, people who are prepared to put themselves on the line.
"On many occasions you see players turning their back on the ball, but the guys here throw everything into the challenge. We don't want to be defending desperately every week but it is comforting for me we have got players who can do that sort of thing. It is all part of the make up of a Premier League Team.
"Roger Johnson is typical of the type of character I wanted to bring into the changing-room and he has been tremendous for us."
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