McLeish hails Blues determination

McLeish wants the Blues back in the top-flight at the first attempt

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish paid tribute to his side's battling spirit after they came from behind with 10 men to beat Charlton on Saturday.

The 3-2 win at St Andrew's, achieved despite Nigel Quashie's sending off in the 59th minute, keeps the Blues in second in the Championship table.

"We got a good response on spirit and togetherness in the second half," McLeish told the club's website.

"There was real determination to keep the ball out of our net."

Birmingham, who are looking to bounce back at the first attempt after their relegation from the Premier League last season, led through James McFadden but Hameur Bouazza equalised for Charlton with a fantastic volley before Andy Gray gave them the lead.

"The first half was a big disappointment after taking the lead with a terrific goal," said McLeish.

"Two mistakes set us back and our heads were down a little bit but we managed to regroup at half-time.

"We told them that it's not the mistakes you make, its what you do next."

606: DEBATE First time in a while I have left the match feeling buzzing... Bluenose_Brummie

Addicks keeper Nicky Weaver made a glaring error for Kevin Phillips to head in the equaliser on his 500th domestic career appearance before he again made a mistake which let Franck Queudrue grab the winner, giving Birmingham their first win in four games.

The one negative was the dismissal of on-loan midfielder Quashie for two yellow cards, but McLeish says he will this week consider extending the West Ham player's stay at St Andrews into another month.

"He did well today and was instrumental in the two goals and has made a good contribution, so I'm disappointed for him with the sending off," he said.

"His team-mates are telling me he slipped (when making the tackle which led to his second booking)."