Birmingham boss Alex McLeish hails his wonder duo

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has saluted Scott Dann and Roger Johnson as the surprise bedrocks for City’s superb form.

Brum manager McLeish took a gamble in the summer paying Coventry £3.5million for Dann, 22, and Cardiff £5m for 26-year-old Johnson.

But the two promising English centre-halves have thrived in the Premier League after stepping up with promoted Birmingham.

They have helped City to five wins in six games in an unbeaten nine-game run.

And Big Eck, 50, a former stopper in his distinguished career with Aberdeen, is thrilled with the contribution of the duo.

“I felt the money teams were asking for Premier League centre-halves was too much for us,” said McLeish.

“So I looked at the best centre-halves in the Championship.

“Roger Johnson was a target for us before, and we went for these two guys.

“Although they had good pedigrees you have to wonder if the next step is going to be a tough one.

“But so far they have handled it brilliantly and I have nothing but the highest regard for the two players.

“When the rest of the team are not playing well you still need a rock at the back - that has to be the most consistent part of the team.”

Birmingham are up to seventh ahead of the visit of Premier League leaders Chelsea on Boxing Day.

The Stamford Bridge club boast a powerful attacking line-up with Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka up front.

But McLeish has no worries about his two young centre-backs handling the occasion.

And Johnson, who started out his career with Wycombe, has played every Premier League game for City this term.

McLeish added: “Roger has earned this crack at the Premier League and so far he is passing the test.

“He wants it badly and he has got a great character about him in terms of wanting to win.

“He believes in himself as well and is in the heart of the banter with the lads.

“Roger’s play has been inspirational and when you have defenders like that who love defending it helps.”