Is Clayton Ready for a Laff?

The signing of Kyle Lafferty gives Blues manager Gary Rowett a dilemma. Does he change the system to accommodate his new striker or leave him on the side lines waiting patiently for his chance?

Lafferty has never been a prolific goalscorer, scoring 44 goals in 701 games at club level. But the Northern Ireland international has always been a tough opponent for defenders. One man who could benefit greatly from Lafferty’s presence is Clayton Donaldson.

The Blues striker has ran himself into the ground this season and his goal return has suffered as a result. Lafferty will take some of the burden off The Don if, of course, Rowett plays them both in the same team.

Playing them both would more than likely force a 4-4-2 formation which may mean Blues’ most technically gifted player, Jon Toral, drops to the bench.

But Blues’ achilles heel hasn’t been the creating of chances, it has been taking those chances. During recent games, David Cotterill has supplied telling service into the danger area. Hopefully, Lafferty, who stands at six-foot-four, will be the recipient of that service.

If Donaldson is partnered up with a second striker, his workload could sufficiently decrease meaning he is able to concentrate more on his poaching instincts that served Blues so well last season.

This is where Rowett will earn his money. Does he try and give Blues their goal scoring touch back by sacrificing their most creative player (Toral) for a second forward? Does he use Lafferty as an impact player from the bench? Does he start Lafferty at the expense of Donaldson? Or does he play both and move Toral into an unnatural position?

Rather you than me, Gary!

Twitter @robwildey123