Boss McLeish Labels 15-Match Unbeaten Run 'Incredible'
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Birmingham Boss McLeish Labels 15-Match Unbeaten Run 'Incredible'
Scottish tactician on cloud nine after win over Toffees.
FA Cup: Barry Ferguson, Everton v Birmingham City (Getty Images)Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish was on cloud nine after his side defeated a lacklustre Everton 2-1 in the FA Cup.
First half goals from Christian Benitez and Barry Ferguson were enough to overcome David Moyes' Everton and advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
McLeish hailed his side's match-winning performance and their 'incredible' 15-game unbeaten run.
"I'm extremely proud with this group of players and what they've achieved," McLeish told Birmingham's official website.
"I think it's fair to use adjectives such as incredible when you describe a 15-match unbeaten run in this day and age and at this level of football."
"The lads were magnificent once again today against a very good Everton side, and as well as showing that we are hard to beat once again proved we are capable of playing some excellent football.""The goals epitomise that quality - the second one in particular must be a contender for goal of the month because it was an excellent move and finish."
McLeish is already looking ahead, and is hoping for a home draw is the next round of the cup.
"The FA Cup hasn't been overly kind to me since I arrived, but then again neither has the draw really - being pitted against Everton at Goodison was never going to be easy.
"There's nothing better for a club and its fans than a good cup run, so hopefully our name will come out of the hat first and we'll get a decent fifth round draw."
McLeish also praised 18-year old Jake Jervis who came on as a substitute.
"Jake showed up well in training with the first team this week and deserved his chance.
"He's a tall frontman and we knew he'd be able to cause their centre-halves a few problems and that's exactly what he did."
"The pace of the game meant he was absolutely knackered after about ten minutes but it's a great step up for him and he's a player who we believe he's got a chance in the game.
"I'm sure that the Academy will be very proud of him tonight."