McLeish delighted with Birmingham signing Gardner

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish lauded the efforts of January recruit Craig Gardner after he netted his first goal in the club’s colours.

The former Aston Villa man was on target as the Blues came from behind to record a 2-2 draw with Everton at St Andrews and McLeish was delighted with the performance of the 23-year old.

"Hunger is a massive thing when you sign a player. It is very high on my list of priorities along with things like desire and determination and Craig has those qualities,” McLeish said.

"We have seen a lot of brilliant talents in this life who are wasted talents because they don't have that fire like a lot of players who turn themselves into footballers and manufacture themselves into players who have long careers.

"I've seen Craig over a number of years. I've seen him play a lot of reserve games and fleetingly in Villa's first team and I know that Martin O'Neill liked him because he is versatile.

"I was pleased with him because he was ill on Friday and was a doubt to play. But I know the type of character he is. He's got a heart and he would want to play through injury or illness.

"That goal would have meant a lot to him. He is a Blues fan and anybody who is in any doubt about that will realise now he is a dyed-in-the-wool Blues fan."