Gardner blooms for Blues

THE day before this match, Birmingham’s Craig Gardner was lying at home feeling ill and doubtful to line up against Everton.

But the England U21 international not only rose from his sick bed, he grabbed the glory by becoming Blues’ match-saving hero.

Gardner’s left-footed equaliser was his first goal for Birmingham following his move across the city in January from Aston Villa. Having failed to make it at Villa, Gardner was looking for regular first-team football. Now Blues manager Alex McLeish is feeling pleased with his £3 million purchase and believes Gardner will fit in perfectly at St Andrew’s.