The Blues striker bagged all three goals in the 3-1 win against Malky Mackay's side at St Andrews on Saturday.
"He always does so much for the team," the Blues boss said.
"His role is so pivotal to us and he does it brilliantly, working hard, holding the ball up and chasing things.
"He's a real team player and the way he took all three goals - each very different - was excellent.
"We were very incisive and could have had one or two more in the first half."