The man who paid Birmingham City £5million for the 20-year-old Congo-born player is convinced he has a bright future ahead of him at the Reebok Stadium, but is urging him to develop a killer instinct as he continues his football education.

Muamba turned in an impressive display in the 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Newcastle United on Saturday, but as he prepared his side for Tuesday night's Carling Cup tie with Northampton Town, Megson asked for even more from him.

top player

He said: "Fabrice has had a terrific impact. He is a good player and I think he can get better and better.

"But what he has got to do is what he didn't do for us on Saturday - and we have spoken about it already - he has got to add goals to his game and he has got to add a little bit of forward momentum to his game.

"He is exceptional at what he has been bought for, but if he wants to get better, he has got to add to that, and I am sure he will do.

"He is a great lad and he is going to be a top, top player."