Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is delighted to see Nikola Zigic justifying his faith and silencing his critics.
The Serbia international has struggled to adapt to English football since his £6million summer move from Valencia but there have been signs in recent games that Zigic is starting to come to terms with its demands.
He scored the winner in the Carling Cup quarter-final win over Aston Villa and set up Craig Gardner's equaliser in the weekend draw with Tottenham at St Andrew's.
McLeish said: "The game against Tottenham was the best that Ziggy has done and he won everything in the air.
"We are really delighted with the big fellow's progress and there were also good signs against Villa.
"He scored a goal that was disallowed - and should not have been - set up a great chance for Cameron Jerome with a defence-splitting pass and then scored the winning goal.
"That would have done wonders to his confidence and I think the fans are at least warming to the big fellow."
McLeish added: "He has had to adapt to the English game and it has taken time.
"For Valencia and Serbia, I doubt if he heads a ball more than four times in an entire game.
"It's a different style of play for him over here but he is getting there and taking on board that I want him to be more aggressive."
McLeish insists he never doubted that the 30-year-old forward would come good and is pleased to see his patience paying off.
"There's no doubt we judge people too early," said the Scot.
"If you don't do it in the first couple of games then that's it, you're a dud and a terrible buy.
"But we've given him time because it's a different style of play for him and he has found it difficult to adjust.
"This (against Spurs) was as good as I've seen him."
