Opinion: Should Stewart Start?

Greg Stewart, the 26 year old Scotsman, joined Birmingham City from Dundee whom were only his second club after making 119 appearances Cowdenbeath previously. As an experienced player, he was snatched up by Rowett who felt that Stewart could add versatility to the squad.

He was signed in August, and this summer saw the club actually spend money to try and improve the squad. Despite Stewart’s fee being undisclosed, it is said to be in the region of £1,000,000 after everything is taken into account. The fact that the board let Rowett spend this much money on a player either shows that we are taking a more liberal approach to spending or that Rowett has convinced them that Stewart is a man who can make a difference.

I have seen him play in quite a few positions even within one game, let alone across a full season, so it does show that he was brought in, in order to fill spaces such as Shotton was brought in to be cover at both centre back and full back. To most, this looks like a money saving scheme but actually it is very clever as it frees up bench space for youngsters to progress as well as gives an option to change formation.

For me, he is excellent in an wider position as his final ball is often well weighted. With Cotterill being away on international duty, then it may be a chance for Stewart to occupy this role if Cotterill has gained some fatigue. It is always an option to switch it up. Also, he can cut inside and pick out a target striker so either Donaldson or Lukas have to play in order to get on the end of these crosses. Che is amazing with certain types of crosses such as when he scored a volley but Stewart provides a more floated cross for a powerful header which means that we cannot just rely on Che to get the ball like that against defenders. We have to play to our teams strengths.

Stewart to me, was a good buy. He is one of those players that can come off of the bench and really work well as an impact sub. This often means that they don’t start because this kind of player tends to fade. I cannot judge Stewart, and wouldn’t dream about it just yet as he needs game time to adjust to new team mates and different styles of play to what he is used to. But I think he can make a difference from the bench and look to push for a place in the team.