Alex McLeish has hailed Birmingham's veteran midfielder Lee Bowyer and backed him to keep playing at the top 'for a couple more years'.
The Blues chief was delighted with Bowyer's impact in Saturday's 1-0 win against Wigan at St Andrews which saw the club hit the 40-point barrier which usually guarantees Premier League football for another season.
McLeish admitted that he had doubts over the player's ability to keep going in the top flight after some jaded performances earlier in the campaign, but Saturday's display banished those thoughts.
He told the Mail: "A couple of weeks ago I thought he was looking tired but the batteries were recharged again and he was perpetual motion.
"
He was sharp to the ball.
Sometimes you think 'are his wee legs going a bit?' and then he comes back with a performance like that.
"His performances have been good but I thought there was a real edge to him Saturday."
On Bowyer's influence off the pitch, McLeish added: "He is a good type, the players love him.
"
Bow is a very encouraging guy for his team-mates.
He will have a go when it is right but you are listening to a guy who has got authority.
"When you hear Bow having a go, he is somebody where you think 'wait a minute, this guy is talking sense'.
"
You can have a rant and rave at people and I've seen manager's teeth drop out but Bow does it with authority.
"Bow can go on for a couple more years yet on the evidence of that."