Birmingham boss McLeish delighted with match-winner Phillips

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish was delighted with the match-winning performance of striker Kevin Phillips after the 2-1 victory over Wolves on Sunday.

The 36-year old entered the fray at St Andrews in the 63rd minute when his side were a goal down but scored twice in five minutes – in the 80th and 85th – to help his side to an important win and his contribution was not lost on McLeish.

"Kevin will never lose that ability he has got in the box,” McLeish said.

"He might lose his teeth, he might go bald, and his legs will go at some stage, but he will always have that magnificent technique and touch of a top player.

"The morale of any player can be affected when they have been a first-choice player all their career and then find they are not playing every week.

"It has been difficult for me to keep walking by him in the corridor every day saying 'Keep your chin up'.

"But Kevin has been an exemplary professional. I spoke to him after the transfer window closed, during which time we had had enquiries from all sorts of clubs.

"I didn't really want him to go, and I've told him he would have more game time during the second half of the season.

"He was delighted to hear that, and we saw a spring in his step in training. He ghosts into areas where the ball might drop, and that is the mark of a genius."

The Blues take on West Ham at Upton Park on Wednesday and although McLeish concedes Phillips deserves a starting spot, is yet to make up his mind.

"I still feel he's going to be a big impact player for us, but after today he probably deserves a start,” he added.

"I've got to consider the right tactics for the team but, if you get the ball into the box, Kevin will score.

"He looks bright and sharp enough to continue playing after this season, but he will make the decision on things like that."