Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has heaped praise on veteran striker Kevin Phillips.

McLeish is to offer the 36-year-old a new contract after deciding not to take up the option to buy on-loan Christian Benitez because the £7million being asked for by his parent club Santos Laguna was too high.

Phillips opted to leave West Brom and move to St Andrews in the summer of 2008 and played a major role in City being promoted back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

During the campaign just ended he was used primarily as an impact substitute and weighed in with several vital goals, including the 250th of his senior career.

McLeish told the Birmingham Mail: "Kevin has been phenomenal as an impact player for us this season.

"His performances have been stating the case to be given a new contract and we will be looking to offer him one.

"I signed him for two years when I think West Brom were hedging their bets on a two-year deal and his contribution during these two seasons has been priceless.

"I knew Phillips had the fitness, despite his years - what I would expect of a top professional who would still be able to handle the Premier League.

"I knew he wouldn't be able to play every game but he has been excellent for us and Cameron Jerome and Chucho (Benitez) are still not as good finishers as Kevin."