Lee Bowyer: Birmingham City deserved a draw

Manager Lee Bowyer believes Birmingham City were well worth a draw after holding Stoke.

Blues worked hard to add to their tally and were in front, trailing and then level, weathering the Stoke storm to maintain the scoreline.

Birmingham stunned Stoke by breaking the deadlock in the 12th minute, when Jordan James scored his first goal in senior football, at just 17.

But they conceded a double to Tyrese Campbell, who netted a goal either side of the break, as Stoke came from behind to lead.

But Blues would not leave the Potteries potless, battling to a draw after levelling through Gary Gardner’s 58th minute equaliser.

Bowyer’s men had far less possession and fielded a patched-up side, without any out-and-out central defenders due to injury, so the boss was proud of his players.

And the Birmingham chief is excited by teenage starlet James, who announced his arrival on to the Championship stage, through his maiden strike.

Bowyer said: “The least we deserved was a point. We showed that never-say-die attitude again and just never gave in.

"Jordan James is a 17-year-old kid who is learning the game so it’s pleasing, for me, because he’s listening and improving.

“For me, the finish and the area where he’s scored and the composure he has to pass the ball in the corner, these are the things we work on.

“He’s scored his first goal, at Stoke in the Championship, so that’s some going. I don’t think you can put too much pressure on him, right now, but I thought he was very good.

“If he keeps doing what he’s doing and showing the hunger to improve, then his future is as bright as he wants to be.

“He’s a tremendous asset. He’s a good player and, if he wasn’t, trust me, he wouldn’t be playing. People are going to be looking at him."