As well as Wayne Rooney, there’s another pressing talking point among Birmingham City supporters right now.
And that is midfielder Jordan James and how Birmingham City can get more out of him.
He’s a well-regarded prospect at the club but there seems to be a sense that he doesn’t quite perform as well at club level as he does at international level with Wales.
His performance vs Turkey last month was widely praised and James has been tipped for big things with Wales.
But with Blues, he needs to do more. For that to happen though, Rooney needs to give him more exposure in the Championship.
Rooney made ‘wrong call’ not starting James vs Rotherham
Birmingham City welcomed strugglers Rotherham United in the Championship last weekend.
It was a tough afternoon for Blues who eventually drew 0-0, piling more misery and pressure on Rooney’s whose side currently sit in 15th place of the table.
James came off the bench and made an impact, with Rooney praising him after the game, but journalist Alex Dicken believes James should’ve been in the XI form the off.
Speaking on the Keep Right On podcast, Dicken said:
“I think in hindsight it was probably the wrong call not to start James against Rotherham, after his performance against Blackburn. I think he gives far more to the Rooney way of playing than Bacuna and Bielik do.
“For me, as we’ve said in previous podcasts, James is the most important central midfielder to this system at the moment.”
James’ chance to shine vs Coventry City
Rooney has already confirmed that James will be starting against Coventry City this Friday and it’s a huge chance for the Welshman to shine.
It’s another crucial game for Rooney against a struggling side, and a local derby too, so if James can shine and inspire Blues to a win, he’ll really remind everyone of his quality.
To do so well with Wales proves that he’s a top player.
Roney may just need to find a way of getting the best out of him but as Dicken suggests, the system that Rooney is to trying to implement may already be suited to James.
James has previously spoken about how this new system suits his style of play and it’s somewhat strange that Rooney hasn’t started James in every game so far.
He’s obviously a top player and the likes of Juninho Bacuna could be better utilised in a more attacking position than alongside Krystian Bielik.
Team selection on Friday will certainly be interesting, with Rooney facing another crunch match.