Alex McLeish has hailed the influence Lee Bowyer has on his Birmingham City Football Club side.

The midfielder, 33, has had his critics in the past, and was a controversial figure during his days at Leeds United when he was involved in off-the-field problems.

Now a mainstay of the Blues side, Bowyer is playing some of the best football since his Elland Road heyday, and McLeish has also revealed he is a huge influence away from the pitch.

"Lee Bowyer is an influence off the pitch. He is a good type, the players love him, he is a very encouraging guy for his team-mates,” said the St Andrews coach.

"He will have a go when it is right but you are listening to a guy who has got authority. You can have a rant and rave at people, but Bowyer does it with authority.

"Lee counts to 10 now. He knows now when to put the brakes on. I spoke to him and said 'take it easy in certain moments' and he said 'don't worry gaffer, I'm fine, I'm not a wee boy any more'."

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