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Two hot wings, please

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After a defeat, the jury come out, such is modern day football. But what we have learned from Blues’ two recent defeats is the lack of quality and depth in the squad, especially wide areas.

What the 3-0 defeat to Barnsley and 4-0 defeat to Newcastle show is that Gary Rowett’s squad needs investment in January. But an overhaul of the team can be set in motion right away.

David Cotterill is in the team for his dead ball and crossing ability. Recently, decent service from the Welsh international has been few far between. Some supporters have been pleading with Rowett to play Greg Stewart. But despite looking bright when being introduced from the bench, the Scot has been found wanting during his handful of starts.

Perhaps Stewart is worth persisting with until January in order to give Rowett an idea of whether he will make the cut at St. Andrews. However, after being hauled off at half time during Blues’ drubbing at Newcastle, Stewart must start grasping his opportunities.

From wide areas, Blues have lacked mobility and pace. Cotterill, for all his right foot ability, doesn’t affect a game like he once did. Corey O’Keefe came off the bench on Saturday and was a bright spark, so he must be close to the first team picture. And what of Viv Solomon-Otabor who has seemingly fallen out of favour? Now would be a good time to recapture his potential and force his way back into the reckoning. His pace and skill could be an asset for Blues but he has to show why he was so highly rated in the first place.

Are the above names really long term answers? It’s too early to write O’Keefe off, he is a raw, emerging talent. Yey Blues seem to have got all they can from Cotterill, are struggling to squeeze the best out of Stewart and Solomon-Otabor has evidently took several backward steps.

Jacques Maghoma is a quality player but he’s not getting any younger and injuries are getting a hold of him.

This is why January is so vital. A wide player or two could be the key for Blues’ play-off push. If Rowett fails to land a suitable target, or isn’t given the investment to find one, then it’ll be a case of square pegs in round holes for the foreseeable future.





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