The Verdict

Dean has stepped up when the Blues have needed him most at such a crucial time of the season.

It's clear to see that Lee Bowyer has got an extra tune out of the current set of players that Karanka couldn't and Birmingham fans will be wondering why the club didn't pull the trigger sooner on the Spaniard.

They aren't safe from the drop to League One just yet, but a few more points should do the job for Bowyer's outfit and maybe three of those will come tomorrow night against Nottingham Forest.