Phillips netted the only goal of the game in his first start in four games while O'Connor also impressed -claiming an assist in what was his first appearance in Blues' starting XI since August

"O'Connor and Phillips led the line well," said McLeish on the club's official website. "They came in from the bench and showed what the competition is like up there, it keeps everybody on their toes and freshens people up.

"We don't want to flog them to death. Leaving (Cameron) Jerome and (James) McFadden out was a gamble but it worked for us. That's got to be the case for people who come in after they've been out and they've got to show what they can do - it's as simple as that."

Meanwhile, McLeish also confirmed captain Lee Carsley should be fit for Blues' next game against Burnley on October 18 having been substituted just five minutes into the second half on Saturday.

"Lee has got a dead leg but I wouldn't think that would keep him out in a fortnight's time," added the Blues boss.