How Will The Break Impact Us?

The international break is a time of worry for most football managers who are in charge of club teams. The outcome of an injury on international duty could mean a change of plans for the coming games and vital players could be lost.

Luckily for Birmingham City, so far the players look to be unscathed. Don’t worry, I have just touched a very large chunk of wood having just said that amidst the congested fixtures.

Usually most teams who are doing well in the league, do not want the international break to arrive. It means that momentum can drop and the rhythm and playing style may be slightly rusty. I know that it is only a week, but it is different playing with a different team.

However, despite this normally being true, I don’t think that this is the case with Birmingham City. Players such as Gray and Brown have both scored on international duty (for England U20’s) and this must improve confidence and match fitness. Getting minutes on the field must keep the players switched on and to train with fellow internationals from other clubs may actually be a blessing.

They can learn from other players such as Cotterill can watch Bale and just pick up a few tips. I am not suggesting that Cotterill isn’t good enough, I am merely saying that if you’re playing with one of the best in the world, it’s best to try and learn from them. I am also not saying that David will come back playing like Bale, but if he does, then you can all thank me later.

With the fixture list that we have, to get a point against both Derby and Burnley is excellent. Very close in timing but a brilliant performance especially from Toral has made the table look a lot more inviting than under the Clark reign.

Overall, the loss of momentum, I think will certainly not be a problem. We have quite a few players who are not involved with international fixtures and therefore will be fresh and ready to go despite maybe not being at their full match peak, they will be close. And those who are internationals will have the momentum to carry the team.

With the opponents being Bristol City in the next match, I would be hoping to get some points. Especially with the fact that we are at home, I’d like to see us dominate and get an early goal. This would ensure that we can preserve a lead. However, this has been hard in recent weeks, so anything could happen!