John Eustace praises Birmingham’s ‘commitment’ after coming from behind against Burnley

Birmingham City boss John Eustace was delighted with his side’s ‘commitment’ in their fight back against Burnley on Wednesday evening. Blues came from behind to draw 1-1 with the Clarets at St Andrew’s.

Scott Hogan is the man to thank for Birmingham’s equaliser. The striker, who netted his six league goals of the season against Vincent Kompany’s team, poked home George Hall’s cross with 10 minutes remaining.

The result sees Blues extend their unbeaten run to three games following their 2-0 win over Hull City and 3-0 victory against Bristol City. Eustace has put that down to his side’s work rate.

"It was a really good and entertaining game.” Eustace told BluesTV after the game. “I was really pleased with the effort from the group and really proud of the response when we went a goal down.

"We are making small steps and we are working hard. The commitment you can see from the group is unbelievable and there is a lot of hard work ahead, but really pleasing to go toe to toe with a top team in the league and perform that way.

"It is just hard work, I have said that from day one. This group are very committed. They have got their work rate, they have got that desire. That came out at really good, important times in the game today."

Hannibal, who joined Blues on a season-long loan from Manchester United in the summer, made his third successive start under Eustace on Wednesday evening. The Tunisian international has been a standout performer for the club, leading to other players not making the team.

"It is his performances, it is as simple as that,” Eustace said. “You can see he is a very good player, a very good player. He is making a big difference, with and without the ball.

"He is working hard and is a great teammate to all the boys. He is a good player isn’t he? And we have got to play good players.

"There will be times when he will come out [of] the team, be rested, have a dip in form. At the moment he is doing well, so, hopefully, it will continue."

Birmingham travel to Ewood Park in their next match to take on Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. Eustace will be hoping his team can put in another committed performance against the side that sit second in the Championship table.