Lee Bowyer insists it was not a gamble for him to leave West Ham and join Birmingham.
And City boss Alex McLeish believes the former England midfielder has taken his game to "another level" this season.
Bowyer was deemed surplus to requirements in the final year of his contract at Upton Park and allowed to move to Blues last January, initially on loan before making the move permanent in the summer.
The 32-year-old admits it would have been an easy option to remain in London and pick up his wages but he was desperate to start playing again, albeit initially by dropping down into the Coca-Cola Championship.
But Bowyer played a major role in helping City gain promotion back to the Barclays Premier League and is their top scorer during the current campaign with five goals.
Bowyer told Press Association Sport: "Was it a gamble leaving West Ham, dropping down a league? I wouldn't say I took a gamble. "Birmingham were a good side who were unlucky to go down from the Premier League the season before, I think by only the one point.
"From my point of view, all I wanted to do was get back playing. You've got to grab the chance to do that with both hands and play as much as you possibly can - because one day it will stop.
"I don't why but, for one reason or other, West Ham didn't want to extend my contract so I came to Birmingham and it has turned out to be a good thing for all parties.
"Yes, some would have been happy to stay and pick up their money, especially with me being from London and that being where I live but I just want to play football.
"That's the main thing. I'm back playing and enjoying my football and waking up on a Sunday after a win and feeling happy."
