Birmingham v Ipswich: Matchwinner DJ Campbell believes Town were good value for their 1-0 victory at St Andrews – the Blues’ first win in 13 matches.

The striker gave England reserve keeper Jack Butland no chance with a fierce drive in the ninth minute as Mick McCarthy started his Ipswich Town reign with a victory.

Campbell’s corker, his third since signing on loan from QPR, was followed by a solid, sometimes backs-to-the-wall, performance with Nikola Zigic missing two golden chances for the home side in the second half.

But the striker said: “Without a shadow of doubt, we deserved it. I am delighted for the boys.

“When I signed, I knew how good the squad was – just hadn’t fallen for us. But after today, I think we will be fine and move up the table.”

Of his winner, he explained: “I’ve had a bit of fortune so far (with my other goals), but Lee(Martin) shot, I just tried to read it and thankfully I managed to hit in and it went in.

“I am delighted to score – that’s my job, that’s why I was brought here and that’s what I love doing.”

“But the most important thing is the team getting points on the board.”

McCarthy was appointed on Thursday following a week-long managerial search after Paul Jewell’s departure by mutual consent.

Campbell added: “We have a great bunch of lads here. With Paul, their attitude was spot-on, we have just been unlucky as it has not really fallen for us.

“With the new gaffer and TC (Terry Connor), it’s been great, they are great.

“It is a good feeling – we haven’t felt like this for a while. We need to kick on and move up the table.”