Newcastle manager Alan Pardew believes the victory over Birmingham showed there is life after striker Andy Carroll for the Magpies.
Goals from Peter Lovenkrands and Leon Best earned Newcastle a 2-0 win at St Andrew's - their first since Carroll departed for Liverpool in a £35million move.
Pardew was full of praise for the two strikers even though Lovenkrands had to be substituted with a thigh strain.
He said: "I think it was evident tonight that the players we have can fill the gap after Carroll.
"The pleasing thing is that the two strikers showed effort and commitment despite the pressure that is on them.
"One (Lovenkrands) came off with a thigh strain and the other (Best) had to be substituted because of the amount of work he was doing.
"But for them both to score from open play is the biggest plus for me."
Pardew was delighted with the way his players started the game with Lovenkrands netting after only two minutes and they seldom loosened their grip.
He added: "We came into this game with momentum after our draws against Arsenal and Blackburn and it was really about getting the start right.
"We started faster and that made the difference and we also passed the ball well on a tricky surface."
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish felt his side's recent heavy programme took its toll.
In addition he will be anxiously assessing the fitness of defenders Martin Jiranek (toe and thigh) and Liam Ridgewell (calf) in the next 24 hours.
McLeish said: "We've had a fantastic month really in terms of results since the game against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
"There have been some inspired performances but tonight we looked a bit flat.
"To lose the first goal so easily as we did and so early goes against what we were like at the weekend (against Stoke) when the concentration levels were phenomenal.
"I think there was a bit of fatigue. One or two players looked a bit tired and I am not going to hammer the players after one performance like that.
"We will see how Jiranek and Ridgewell are going to be in the next 24 to 48 hours."
Lovenkrands converted a low cross from the impressive Jose Enrique and then Best headed home a centre from Jonas Gutierrez four minutes into the second half to seal the points.
