Blues had taken the lead thriteen minutes into the game at St Andrews through James McFadden but they lost their rhythm after that and the visitors went in at the break leading 2-1 courtesy of goals from Hameur Bouazza on 21 minutes and Andy Gray six minutes later. "That's the greatness of Kevin. A lot of forwards wouldn't have followed it in because it looked like a dolly of a catch but that is his instinct. He is a master of taking those chances.
However, Phillips capped his 500th career appearance when he capitalised on an error by the visitors goalkeeper Nicky Weaver to draw Blues level five minutes into the second half and Franck Queudrue scored what proved to be the winning goal five minutes after later.
"It was an unfortunate moment for Nicky Weaver but Kevin followed it in and that was a real turning point," Mcleish said after the match.
"We said at half-time that we could still win the game and the players were unanimous," the Blues boss added.
"They showed in the second half that there was a real spirit and togetherness there.
"That was very heartening."