Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has hailed the performance of his makeshift defence since their return to the Barclays Premier League.

He also believes City's performances in the opening phase of the campaign indicate they will be "able to compete with anybody this season."

Blues have been decimated by injuries to the likes of David Murphy, Scott Dann, Steven Carr, Liam Ridgewell, Gregory Vignal, Martin Taylor and Franck Queudrue at various stages.

But City have overcome these setbacks and been difficult to break down, conceding only four goals in six league games, as they gear up for Saturday's clash with Bolton at St Andrew`s.

McLeish told Press Association Sport: "The defence has done well despite the problems we've had there. We've had problems at centre-half and we've had problems at full-back in terms of players not being fit.

"We've certainly not had a shortage of problems but we have certainly coped well with it - but it's not just down to the defence. There has also been a lot of good organisation in midfield and the strikers have also played their part on the defending front."