Birmingham boss McLeish: Bowyer was world class

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish was full of praise for matchwinner Lee Bowyer after 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.

McLeish said: "The goal was the one bit of class we produced in the game. It was trademark Lee Bowyer.

"It was a late run onto a great pass and the execution was world-class.

"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.