Neal Eardley has had a pretty torrid time since joining Birmingham City. The right back, still just 26 years old, has managed 9 league appearances for the Blues. But has he been convincing Rowett that he could replace Paul Caddis at right back this season?
Injuries and a lack of form have seen Eardley’s Blues stint get away from him. A loan spell at Leyton orient also went horribly wrong and that saw Rowett recall the player, expressing dissatisfaction with aspects of the deal to the clubs website.
This season it would seem Eardley has thrown his hat back in the ring, Gary Rowett has told the official site that he’s been impressed with the right back.
‘Neal Eardley has worked very, very hard over the summer. He has had a very fractured Birmingham career at the minute, down to lots of things that haven’t been in his control as well.
‘And he has come back very, very good.’
Under Rowett, the Birmingham first XI has been a very settled and predictable one. The continuity that was brought in with the new manager has often been talked of as a key ingredient in the recent success at the club.
Thinking of the way Rowett works, it must make Caddis the favourite for retaining his position at right back. However, there has been changes to the team under him, for example when Fabbrini game in to replace Shinnie, or Tesche into midfield at the expense of Davis.
The added competition is clearly going to benefit Birmingham over the course of the season. Rowett will run the rule over the players at right back, and having admitting to bcfc.com that he is always ready to be persuaded one way or another, it now appears there is a fight for right back at Wast Hills.
Eardley has played for no fewer than 4 clubs, Oldham; Blackpool; Birmingham and; Leyton Orient. He has a total of 227 league appearances under his belt. He will be hoping, at just 26, that he can get back to playing football.
Source – bcfc.com
