The Mirror News Today

Birmingham waiting on winger fitness ahead of Wanderers clash

Birmingham waiting on winger fitness ahead of Wanderers clash

The winger limped off 10 minutes into the second half at Lincoln over the weekend as the Blues secured a 3-1 victory.

Scott Wright was also absent from the squad at the LNER Stadium as Chris Davies’ side maintained their place at the top of the League One table.

When asked about the injury situation, Davies replied: “Emil, I don’t know. He felt something there so we will have to check.

“Scott had a small knock, we are seeing how it goes day-by-day so nothing definitive on that.”

The Blues have won eight of their opening 10 league matches as they aim to make an immediate return to the Championship.

Davies is keen to keep building momentum against Wanderers but believes it will be a different challenge to what they have faced recently.

“Bolton are a different side to Lincoln – they are ball possession, quite physical but they like to play,” he added.

“They have a good style and were in the play-off final last year obviously, so they are one of the stronger teams in the league.

“It is another test and another different type of challenge for us on Tuesday.”

Keshi Anderson bagged a brace against Lincoln, with Willum Willumsson also getting on the scoresheet.

At the other end, goalkeeper Ryan Allsop saved Reeco Hackett’s penalty at a key stage in the contest.

“It was an excellent result and an excellent performance,” the manager reflected. “We have been talking a lot about starts to games and we had the worst possible start, but it was gone within the blink of an eye.

“Alfie (May) is a livewire. It is hard to keep him quiet, he has nearly scored the goal of the season as well. He is so bright and alert. Alfie’s goals and assists, he is a really dangerous player.

“I saw very early on with Keshi Anderson why he played when it really mattered at the end of last season. He is a reliable player, he works hard for the team and has got quality.

“He has had to be patient, he had an injury as well. Generally, when he has played his performances have been very strong. I was really pleased for him.

“I have spoken to the players and said you can talk as much as you like but it is about performing in those big moments, and Ryan has done that today.

“He gave us the push that we needed. It was a big moment, we are lucky to have a very strong squad.”