Schmitz looks good by all accounts!

Oct 22 2007 By Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

RAFAEL Schmitz's performance left Steve Bruce full of praise.

The Brazilian centre-half made his first start for Blues since his loan from Lille.

Schmitz has the look of an accountant, assistant boss Eric Black joked on his arrival, but he is as rugged as any stopper, and possesses plenty of quality.

"I knew what I was getting when we brought him in," said Bruce, who plumped for Schmitz after Johan Djourou was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

"He's an experienced defender who has played in the Champions League and is rock solid.

"It was a shame he got injured with his Achilles tendon just after joining, and he's had to be patient.

"I was very pleased with that, his first full game for us, and I'm sure he's going to contribute this season."

Schmitz played alongside Liam Ridgewell, Blues' third different backline pairing in the Premier League.

And although it appeared to disadvantage Blues in terms of height, neither were found wanting.

Schmitz, however, was on the receiving end of an appalling 85th-minute lunging challenge by Javier Garrido, that could easily have warranted a straight red card.

"It was an horrific challenge," said Bruce. "It got him right on the knee and he required stitches in the wound."