Monk Will Be Hoping Midfielder`s Return Inspires Birmingham

Garry Monk has confirmed that David Davis could be fit for tomorrow`s match at Cardiff.

The midfielder has missed our last five matches with injury, but he will have his fitness assessed by the manager ahead of the encounter against the promotion chasers. He told the Birmingham Mail:

‘David came back into training today, I am pleased to have him back in the squad. In terms of fitness, he is a very fit lad – naturally fit – we will assess him. We have got another training session tomorrow. Whether he will be involved at the weekend we will see, it’s a day-by-day thing.’

His injury came at just the wrong time for us. He had scored two goals and provided two assists in two victories prior to the derby defeat, and during his absence we have racked up five consecutive losses with just one goal scored.

Even though the 27 year old is on nine yellow cards and could be suspended if he picks up another one this weekend, it seems this won`t even deter the boss from selecting him. The new gaffer seems to be very keen to get him back into the starting XI, and who could blame him considering our lack of drive in the middle of the park.

Davis would no doubt be a leader on the pitch, and it is something we desperately need during this relegation dogfight. For sure, players like our captain as well as Craig Gardner, David Stockdale and Maikel Kieftenbeld can provide those qualities, but we need all our wisest heads on the field if we are going to move up the table.

There were some good signs against Boro in midweek, but the lack of chances created is a major concern that the manager will have to get right sooner rather than later if we are to escape the drop.

One of the solutions so far has been to play more offensively in a 4-4-2, but I`m not so sure he will go the same way against Neil Warnock`s side. Our opponents have the best home record in the league with 42 points, 32 goals scored and just 11 conceded in 18 games, and their physicality across the pitch may lead to us reverting to a five in midfield.

If he is fit, I believe Monk may risk our no.26 for this match, perhaps ahead of Che Adams who didn`t impress last time out. I may be wrong on that, and perhaps we will continue to be bold, but we will see.