The Duke is no fluke

Lukas Jutkiewicz has got the backing of the manager, Gary Rowett, and after his stoppage time winner last weekend, he has the backing of the fans.

Rowett has challenged the Burnley loanee to keep making an impact. But with Clayton Donaldson a doubt for today’s trip to QPR, Jutkiewicz may get a chance to prove his worth from the start once again.

His first start came against Reading a few weeks back in a game that offered little room for judgement – and ended goalless. But since Jutkiewicz’s winner right at the death against Sheffield Wednesday, the Southampton-born striker may have the tools to keep Donaldson on his toes.

Scoring his first goal since May 2014 is bound to give him confidence. And as a result, he will prove an asset to Blues.

The 27 year-old has already displayed more quality than last season’s loanee Kyle Lafferty, who was bought in to conduct a similar role.

If Jutkiewicz doesn’t get selected from the off today, he will keep banging on the door. And if he can continue to make a positive impact on proceedings, his chance won’t be far off.