Queudrue says Zarate is really catching the eye (Getty Images)

Birmingham City defender Franck Queudrue believes striker Mauro Zarate has the ability to lead the club to survival in the Premier League.

"He's got two good feet. I don't know if he's left or right-footed because at training he uses both with talent," Queudrue told BBC WM.

The Frenchman reckons Zarate shows the Blues the right sort of battling spirit to avoid relegation.

The Argentine scored twice in the Saturday's win over Manchester City.

"I would say we showed it [spirit] before, but we didn't get rewarded for it. We got draws or equalisers in the last minute, stuff like that," he added.

Queudrue will miss Saturday's vital trip to Wigan to face former Blues boss Steve Bruce but he is more than happy to continue in his emergency role at centre back when he returns from suspension.

"I played there a couple of times at Middlesbrough and at Fulham. I played the last three games in the reserves there, so I'm comfortable in the position."