McLeish: Carr's experience invaluable for Birmingham in Premier League

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has praised Stephen Carr's impact since tempting the full-back out of retirement.

The 33 year old joined Blues in February after a spell out of the game and he helped the club to secure promotion back to the Premier League last season.

"There is no doubt Stephen has been a really tremendous acquisition for us after plucking him from nowhere when he had announced his retirement," said McLeish.

"His defending has been first class and he has been terrific for us and his experience is also valuable. Stephen is a quality performer.

"He very rarely loses a challenge in the air at the back post, but has also shown a fantastic capacity to get up and down the pitch.

"I have been absolutely delighted with what he has brought to us since coming here."