Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce is a big enough man to admit when he's made a mistake.
And he felt it worthy of an apology to DJ Campbell three weeks ago when he left him out of his 16 against Norwich City, Blues didn't score and they lost.
But, after going to see Bruce and making his feelings known in the nicest possible way, Campbell yesterday came off the bench to deliver the only message managers really understand — goals.
And, with top scorer Gary McSheffrey to slot back in next week, Rowan Vine to re-house, a rejuvenated Nicklas Bendtner and hopefully a fit-again Andy Cole to try and slot in too, two-goal Campbell has given Bruce a real section dilemma going into next weekend's Easter programme.
"I made a rick by leaving him out of the 16," said Bruce. "I had to admit that and apologise to him. I hold my hands up for that. But I have to admit he's now right back in my thoughts.
"We all know any team is only as good as its strikers, they all want to play and I've had DJ come and knock on my door. But he brightens up any training session and he's always been a delight to work with, because he knows he'd rather be playing football than driving a van."
Yesterday afternoon's two-goal contribution, Campbell's first brace since the game that earned the former non-league marksman his move to Blues 14 months ago — his pair of match-winning FA Cup goals for Brentford against Sunderland — was the third time he has scored from the bench this season.
He also got the winner against this Saturday's opponents Burnley at Turf Moor in November and what yet may prove the most important of all Blues' goals, the last-gasp equaliser against Sunderland in February.
But Bruce is not the sort to pat his own back.
"It's just great when it works," said Bruce modestly. "Five months ago, don't forget, I supposedly didn't know what I was doing.
"But the strength of any good team is what's on the bench and it's made easy when you've got someone like DJ. While some subs find it hard to adjust when they come on, DJ is always bright and lively.
"I know it's unfair to label anyone 'Supersub' and I can just see the headlines. But look at his ratio of minutes on the pitch to goals scored and it's fantastic."
Campbell himself was simply pleased to have taken his chance — especially with the arrival of Andy Cole.
"When I heard he was coming my first reaction was to be a bit disappointed," said Campbell. "But then when you think about the experience he's got and what you can learn from him, you know it can only benefit the club.
"Although he wasn't out there, he's already had an effect on the place and I was delighted to help get us the win.
"It's always good to score, but it's even better to get the three points," he added.
