‘Bad boy’ Bowyer comes good with Blues’ young bloods

FOR years, veteran midfielder Lee Bowyer carried around a reputation as something of a bad boy.

Now he has matured and Birmingham manager Alex McLeish attributes his side’s achievement in reaching the 40-point mark to Bowyer’s steadying influence.

Bowyer remains City’s leading scorer with six goals this season, but the former England player also makes a telling contribution with his words of advice in the dressing room.

After Saturday’s 1-0 win over Wigan, courtesy of a James McFadden penalty, McLeish was quick to praise. He said: “A couple of weeks ago, I thought Lee was looking tired but, against Wigan, 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.

“Lee is a good type, the players love him. He 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 he says something, it means something.

“Him, Barry Ferguson and Stephen Carr, three senior members, have really helped this young team to develop.”

McLeish feels Bowyer has learnt to control his temper and has seldom been in trouble with officials this season.

He said: “Lee counts to 10 now. He knows when to put the brakes on. I spoke to him and he said ‘don’t worry gaffer, I’m fine, I’m not a wee boy any more’.”

The Blues tackle Portsmouth in an FA Cup quarter-final next weekend but McLeish is confident his players will continue to perform at the top level in the Premier League.

He said: “The players are not the type who will down tools. They will try to get as many points as they can but it is maybe an opportunity for me to blood players into the side.”

Wigan have now gone seven games without a win and are just one point above the bottom three to leave manager Roberto Martinez demanding an improvement.

He said: “We need to get that extra five per cent because we are in an uncomfortable position. We are waiting for that moment of confidence, that moment of happiness, that can trigger your performance.

“We’ve had some very good performances this season. We’ve beaten Aston Villa away, Chelsea at home. There are certain aspects that we need to be stronger and better at. We haven’t been consistent enough.

“The challenge is there. If you want to play a certain way, just to avoid relegation each season, that is not what I want for Wigan.”

MATCH RATING: ** – Just the penalty in 90 minutes of play didn’t leave much for the fans to cheer.

REFEREE: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire) 3 – Got the penalty wrong and didn’t reach for a card when Ridgewell bundled over McCarthy and assistant ref Trevor Massey by the corner flag.