Shinnie Could Still Have a Part to Play

Back in January, Andrew Shinnie was loaned to Rotherham United. At the time, Blues manager Gary Rowett hinted that the move to ensure Shinnie remained match fit and to offer him more game time.

However, the move hasn`t worked out as planned for either party with Shinnie making just three appearances for the Millers. The 26 year-old Scot hasn`t been named in Rotherham`s match day squad since February 23.

Shinnie has played just 166 minutes of football since his loan move including one start. After his second appearance, Neil Redfearn was sacked and replaced by Neil Warnock.

Warnock prefers a more robust and dynamic type of player which is not thoroughly in Shinnie`s make-up.

Rowett has previously said that the ‘door isn`t closed` for Shinnie at St. Andrew`s. With Jon Toral unlikely to be prized back for a second stint, Diego Fabbrini will become the main man in the number ten role. That leaves Rowett needing cover which could come in the form of Shinnie.

Circumstances have contrived against the former Inverness star. He wasn`t Warnock`s signing and, truth be told, his style of play was never going to suit an all-action Warnock team. Perhaps Shinnie could still have a part to play at Blues. But only time will tell.