Bowyer earning McLeish's plaudits

Lee Bowyer's experience is proving vital in the Championship run-in

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish believes midfielder Lee Bowyer is winning over the club's supporters with his performances on the field.

Bowyer, 32, joined Blues on loan from West Ham in January, a move that did not meet with universal approval.

"I'm delighted with Lee Bowyer because I think when he joined us some questions were asked, the controversial questions," McLeish told BBC WM.

"But I hope everybody can see that Bowyer's done really well."

The former England international has made 10 appearances since joining Blues, of which they have lost just two.

He scored the last-minute equaliser on his debut in the 1-1 draw against Cardiff City on 17 January. And he has grown more influential after getting some games under his belt.

"People questioned his legs as well," said McLeish. "But I think he's proved them wrong - well done Lee Bowyer!"

People questioned his legs, he's proved them wrong - well done Lee Bowyer!

Blues boss Alex McLeish

The former Rangers and Scotland manager has also been impressed by the contributions of his England under-21 striker Cameron Jerome.

His return to form has coincided with the absence through injury of Kevin Phillips, James McFadden and Garry O'Connor - much to the relief of McLeish.

"It's amazing what confidence does for a player," said the Blues boss after Saturday's 1-0 home win over Southampton, won by Keith Fahey's strike in first-half injury time.

"Cameron was brilliant the other night I thought," said McLeish. And again today he was excellent, maybe even better.

"His end product was excellent and his pass to Keith Fahey was great because it's a striker in a situation where usually they just put their foot through the ball.

"He had the vision to set Keith Fahey up."

McLeish's injury problems have worsened, Marcus Bent having damaged a hamstring against Southampton.

Ahead of Tuesday night's trip to Barnsley (10 March, 1945 GMT), that leaves the Blues manager with only two fully-fit strikers in Jerome and Honduras international Carlos Costly.