STEVE Bruce paid tribute to Robbie Savage for helping to destroy Wanderers and build a firm foundation on which he believes Birmingham could survive in the Premiership.

The St Andrews boss believes Savage has fulfilled all the expectations they had when they signed him from Leicester City.

Savage is no stranger to being a central figure against Wanderers. Last season he incurred the wrath of the Reebok crowd when he was involved in challenges with Paul Warhurst and Dean Holdsworth which saw the Bolton pair sent off.

Savage was then substitute for his own safety to a hail of boos - and there were only 20 minutes on the clock.

He was again booed by a healthy Wanderers travelling contingent on Saturday but he had the last laugh with the goal which killed off the Sam Allardyce's battling team.

Savage capitalised on a static defence before dribbling round Jussi Jaaskelainen and slotting home Birmingham's second goal just seconds after ten-men Bolton had worked their way back into the game with an equaliser.

The goal added to Savage's hero status at St Andrews which gave him a rousing standing ovation when he was substituted in the 84th minute and his performance brought praise from the manager.

Bruce said: "I was very pleased for Robbie Savage.

"He has his critics but when he's on song he's such a big asset for any team.

"He has been outstanding since he came here. He is an inspirational character who can do things like that."

The victory was Bruce's first success over Allardyce for many seasons and he responded by buying his good friend a post-match meal.

He said: "I think I was buying whoever won this game, but it's about time I did beat him because when I was at Sheffield United and Huddersfield he always seemed to come out on top

"It was an important win for us. We said it was going to be difficult in this division and we are realistic.

"We've got to hang in there by hook or by crook.

"All the teams have got quality players - but 15 points in the first 12 games is not a bad return for us.

"I was just disappointed that it took us so long to get on top against Bolton.

"We had the better of the first half but the fans will only remember those last 20 minutes. It was that kind of game.

"Once Gardner got sent off we sat back and let them get at us. Fortunately the boys struck back straight away but it was a nervy finish."

Blues star man Darren Purse gave his father a little more to cheer than most Birmingham fans after scoring the opening goal.

He explained: "My dad had a few pounds on me to score the first goal so it's nice to have made him happy.

"It's crucial we retain our place in the top flight and not go straight down.

"We've climbed the table a bit but we needed to play well because we've been so inconsistent this season."