Ben Foster backed to be a Blues icon

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish believes goalkeeper Ben Foster has the attributes to become a club icon as his time at St Andrew's goes on.

Foster is currently the toast of the team after saving a penalty with the scores goalless in Saturday's 2-1 win over Blackburn, on what was his home debut for the club.

Big things are expected of the England international after Blues shelled out £6million to buy him from Manchester United in the summer, to replace loanee Joe Hart who has returned to take the No 1 spot at moneybags Manchester City.

And McLeish believes he has got a like-for-like star on his hands with the 27-year-old.

He said: "We had a fantastic goalkeeper in Joe last season and him and Ben are made of similar stock.

"Joe came in with strong mentality but Ben probably has a wee bit more experience.

"Like Joe, Ben wanted to get first-team football so the move was a positive one.

"It looks like he is going to be a great goalkeeper for this football club."