Birmingham City hero named as ‘the most professional player’ John Eustace has ever worked with

Birmingham City manager John Eustace handed extra-special praise to Lukas Jutkiewicz after the striker netted a stoppage-time winner against Leeds United on Saturday.

Coming on with just a few moments to go, Juktiewicz had just one involvement but it was the most important of all as he stepped up and scored from the penalty spot for 1-0.

Cheered on by new owner Tom Wagner and minority investor Tom Brady, Birmingham held on for a vital three points, making it four out of six to start the 2023/24 season.

“Jukey’s a club legend. If anyone’s putting in a last-minute penalty it’s him. The way he trains, he’s probably the most professional player I’ve ever seen,” Eustace said post-match.

“That’s why he’s still going at his age and is still putting in fantastic performances. Last season he came in with 10 games to go as the only striker at the club and his level of play was sensational.

“He’s club captain for a reason, everybody looks up to him and we’re very fortunate he’s still here,” Eustace continued.

With 81 goals and 35 assists in a huge 357 career appearances for Blues, it’s easy to see why Eustace – and the whole squad – has so much respect for Jutkiewicz.

The 34-year-old has been a consistent figure through thick and thin and continues to be so as Birmingham begin an exciting new era at St Andrew’s.