Greg Stewart arrived at St. Andrews with glowing references from Dundee supporters. One claimed he was the ‘Scottish Lionel Messi’ which, although it was obviously tongue in cheek, aroused my footballing hormones.
Gary Rowett spent the best part of his summer trying to convince Dundee to part with their player for a bit of dosh. For the player, it was a no-brainer – Dundee or Birmingham City.
After dipping his toes in the water by being introduced from the bench, Blues fans were crying out for McMessi’s inclusion in the starting line-up. Since then, it’s been totally underwhelming. What Stewart offers in pace and enterprise, he lacks in footballing common sense.
In Blues’ game at Derby County shortly after Christmas, Stewart picked up a pass and whizzed passed the first defender. Then, despite having options either side of him, he ran and ran and ran. He then tripped over the ball which eventually resulted in a Derby goal kick. This happened twice in the same game.
The rest of his time at Blues has followed a similar path. And really, for a 26-year-old Scot with zero Scotland caps to his name, we should have seen it coming.
Perhaps he can return from his current injury and show the fans why Rowett rated him so highly. But if his 15 appearances so far are anything to go by, I won’t hold my breath.
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