Source: Daily_Mail
McLeish backs beanpole striker Zigic after his winning goal against West Ham
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish believes that Nikola Zigic is finally beginning to turn into the kind of forward that is capable of striking fear into the heart of top-flight defences.[LNB]Zigic nodded home the winner from Sebastian Larsson's cross in yesterday's 1-0 win at Upton Park to move Birmingham out of the relegation zone and send rivals West Ham back to the foot of the table.[LNB]The 6ft 7in Serbian initially struggled to cope with the demands of English football after his ?6million move from Valencia last summer, but has now scored in successive league games and caused problems for the Hammers defence throughout yesterday's clash.[LNB] Saint Nik: Zigic (centre) has now scored in back-to-back league games, much to the delight of boss McLeish[LNB] 'He's upped his game. He's at a good level now," McLeish said of the 30-year-old.[LNB]'He's an international player and it's been a challenge getting used to England.[LNB]'He's beginning to hold his own. He was pushed in the back for the goal but he managed to stay firm and get his head on it.[LNB]'He's making his mark and has been powerful for us in the last three of four games.[LNB]'If he can continue to cause havoc and create assists then he`ll chip in with one or two himself.'[LNB] West Ham 0 Birmingham 1: Zigic puts Grant back in the firing lineMutch could follow Birmingham academy director out of St Andrew'sBirmingham City's Fahey is back in the Ireland squad as Treacy pulls out [LNB] Explore more:People: Alex McLeish, Sebastian Larsson Places: Birmingham, United Kingdom
