Kevin Phillips

Kevin Phillips will be reunited with the manager that gave him his first break in League football when Blues play Norwich City at Carrow Road tomorrow.

Canaries boss Glenn Roeder signed Phillips in 1994 from non-league side Baldock Town (when he was at the helm at Watford) for a fee of just £10,000.

Since that time the duo's paths have crossed several times and Roeder continues to be a big fan of the player.

"I've never had any doubt about Kevin Phillips, I know him too well," said Roeder speaking ahead of the game.

"We have great respect for each other - he always says kind things about myself and I suppose I reciprocate that.

"Without doubt he was the best player I ever signed in terms of value for money when I was the manager of Watford. 
 

Glenn Roeder

"He has earned himself a two-year contract at Birmingham and good luck to him.

"Already, he has proved to be a match winner.

"Let's hope tomorrow we can keep him quiet when he's on the pitch.
 
"As a person he is the most wonderful human being to work with.

"If every professional footballer had Kevin Phillips' attitude and motivation, being a manager would be a lot easier.
 
"When he plays a team I manage, he always says he's very grateful for being given the opportunity for me to take him out of non-League, but being the ultimate professional, he has to do his very best for the club he is playing for, which I am sure he will do tomorrow."