What’s the Deal for Neal?

Neal Eardley hasn`t had the best of starts to his Birmingham City career. After signing from Blackpool in May 2013, the Welsh right-back has been plagued by injuries. Initially bought in by former manager Lee Clark to play as a wing back in the tried-and-failed 3-5-2 formation, Eardley has found injuries and his lack of form coupled with the consistency of Paul Caddis as main factors in why he has only played 13 times in two years.

After being farmed out to Leyton Orient, where he only made one appearance, what does the future hold for the 26 year-old? Somewhere in his make-up there is a footballer waiting to come out. So far, he hasn`t represented himself in the best light in front of Blues fans. Eardley travelled with Gary Rowett and the squad to Marbella for a pre-season training camp. This is his real chance to impress the manager. The fact Eardley was on the plane suggests that Rowett is giving him a chance, a clean slate.

With Caddis being Blues` only recognised right-back (Jonathan Spector has played there but will admit to that not being his natural position) Eardley has an opportunity to force his way into the team, but first he must overcome his biggest demon – injuries.

Eardley is a modern full-back in the way he is stronger coming forward than he is defending and I am convinced he can surpass this sticky part of his career and get games under his belt. Whether that is at St. Andrew`s remains to be seen. The fans don`t seem to rate him, but cast your mind back to a certain David Murphy. When he signed from Hibernian in 2008, his less than impressive displays earned him some stick from Bluenoses. However, Murphy bounced back after injuries and became a fans favourite with his commanding performances and trademark free-kicks. Eventually, injury forced him into an early retirement, but not before he overcame adversity and made a name for himself at Blues.

Now the baton is handed to Neal Eardley. First, he needs to force himself into the reckoning then remain fit and find some kind of form. His 16 caps for Wales suggest he is no mug. Now is his chance to prove it.

@TheWildeyShow