Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish was delighted for Craig Gardner after his goal in their 2-2 draw with Everton.
Gardner, signed from Aston Villa for £3million in January, had been rated doubtful to be fit enough to face David Moyes' side.
But he capped another fine fightback by City who had trailed 2-0 midway through the first half.
McLeish said: "Craig was ill yesterday. He was a doubt this morning. There has been a virus going about and Craig was a victim. He was supposed to come in for a fitness test this morning but told the doctor he was okay.
"He started sluggishly but he got his second wind and became a threat.
"It was a great strike from him for the goal, and, being a Birmingham fan, I know what it will mean to him."