Will Wes Harding Take His Pre-Season Chance?

Last week Blues manger Gary Rowett suggested that he wasn’t looking to sign a defender and it wasn’t a priority of his. Perhaps Hardings inclusion in this weeks Marbella trip suggests that Rowett is looking within the club to strengthen his side.

It now looks likely that the talented 18 year old Centre Back Wes Harding could be thrown in at the deep end with a large amount of Pre season games coming up in the next few weeks. Harding is undoubtedly a bright prospect and Rowett looks set to give the youngster a chance in the Blues first team and a chance to impress this Pre Season.

Harding, who is now a couple of weeks into his first professional deal, has been a regular in the Blues U21 side over the last two seasons and impressed during the U18s side Youth Cup run. The question I’m asking myself is whether or not it is too soon for the young defender to step into first team action?

Harding has today spoken of his intentions of breaking into the Blues first team so he must believe he is ready to make the step up. At such a young age and being a defender, it can be very difficult to adapt to the first team environment, so it will be very interesting to see how Harding can get on in the pre season matches which are approaching.

A couple of weeks ago I tipped Harding for a gig in the Blues first team by the end of the season, but I certainly didn’t expect his breakthrough to be this early. I guess the first few matches Harding plays, against slightly weaker opposition will judge whether he is ready for the first team. It’s very good to see that Rowett is looking within the club and looking at our academy players before going out and splashing the cash, hopefully Harding can impress and establish himself in the squad.

Can you see Harding making the breakthrough?