McLeish hails `genius' Phillips

Published: 08 Feb 2010 - 08:42:06

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Birmingham manager Alex McLeish praised the performance of super-sub Kevin Phillips after his two-goal blast earned victory over Wolves at St Andrews.Blues looked doomed to defeat after Kevin Doyle had given the visitors a half-time lead. But Phillips came into the action midway through the second period in place of the injured Christian Benitez and netted in the 80th and 85th minutes to leave Wolves still in the bottom three.Phillips has had few opportunities this season and McLeish admitted he received enquiries from Premier League and Championship clubs during the January transfer window.McLeish said: "Kevin will never lose that ability he has got in the box."He might lose his teeth, he might go bald, and his legs will go at some stage, but he will always have that magnificent technique and touch of a top player."But Kevin has been an exemplary professional. I spoke to him after the transfer window closed, during which time we had had enquiries from all sorts of clubs."