Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish was delighted with their 1-0 victory over Portsmouth.

He said: "It's very important to get that first win on the board. We started the game with completely different tactics to the Manchester United game.

"We worked hard at getting it right. We played some good football. We got a bit tired in the second half but came strong again with the substitutes.

"As for the penalty, I was nowhere near it but the players are adamant David James was over zealous with his challenge.

"We will take the free point. For 30 years I have seen games like that - and my heart is still ticking.

"We did get put through the mill today but we have got a great victory."