Deeney’s delightful

JOHN WRAGG

BOYHOOD Birmingham fan Troy Deeney got a hero’s reception after ending the Blues’ big slump.

Birmingham hadn’t won in their past seven games, hadn’t even scored in six.

But Deeney, prompted by impressive Tahith Chong, inspired a vital revival.

Picked by boss Lee Bowyer as captain, Deeney (above) responded by blasting Brum in front two minutes into the second half.

Substitute Riley Mcgree took advantage of Deeney’s pass in the 82nd minute for 2-1, after disappointing Swansea had equalised through Michael Obafemi.

When he was subbed three minutes after his assist, Deeney got an ovation from the ground he calls home. Bowyer didn’t tell Deeney he was captain until just before kick-off.

“I know what it’s like to play for your boyhood club . And for Deeney to captain his boyhood club, I knew it would mean a lot to him,” the Blues boss said. “He’s a leader anyway – a leader, a fighter.

“Sometimes you can try too hard because it is your boyhood club, I know, I’ve been there. It’s why I’ve left Deeney out a bit.

“But I knew the captaincy would mean the world to him and give us, and him, that little bit more of an edge. And it paid off.”

Swansea had come to St Andrew’s after big wins over West Brom and Cardiff, but boss Russell Martin claimed success had left them tired.

“It’s been a hard and emotionally tough week,” said Martin. “I will give the players the benefit of the doubt.” BIRMINGHAM CITY: Sarkic 6; Sanderson 6, Roberts 6, Friend 6; Graham 7, Gardner 6, Sunjic 7, Pedersen 6; Hogan 5 (Mcgree 62, 5), Chong 8; Deeney 7 (Aneke 85). Subs not used: Etheridge, Woods, Jutkiewicz, Dean, Sanchez. SWANSEA CITY: Hamer 6; Bennett 6,Naughton 6, Manning 6; Laird 6, Grimes 7, Smith 6 (Obafemi 56, 7), Latibeaudiere 6; Nitcham 6 (Walsh 62, 5), Paterson 5; Piroe 5 (Cullen 71, 5). Subs not used: Benda, Cabango, Fulton, Williams MAN OF THE MATCH: Tahith Chong. Made three good chances. That only one was taken not his fault. REFEREE: Oliver Langford 6.