Everton boss David Moyes believes Birmingham have a bright future under the guidance of his fellow Scot Alex McLeish.
Birmingham travel to Goodison Park in the Barclays Premier League tomorrow looking to equal a club record of six successive top-flight wins.
McLeish's promoted side began the season among the relegation favourites but their recent form, which extends to eight games unbeaten, has catapulted them into the top half.
Moyes has been impressed by how former Rangers and Scotland manager McLeish has bounced back from his side's relegation in 2008.
Moyes said: "I always look forward to coming up against any Scotsman but big Al has been a friend through the years.
"I played against him in my early days at Celtic and he was a terrific centre-half for Aberdeen and Scotland.
"He's now proving his worth as a manager as well. Alex would tell you it's taken a bit of time to get used to English football but I think he did well in Scotland and is now showing he can do it in England.
"I think they are a side everyone thought would be nearer the bottom end of the league but they are showing they can be at the top.
"They had to struggle for a year or two but now you could say he has maybe fallen on his feet.
"He seems to have an owner who is going to back him, give him some money and the side at the moment is going really well. It's good management. They gave got a bit of momentum and it will be a hard one for us."
