The injury list at Birmingham City is a lengthy one, with a key inclusion on it being Keshi Anderson.
Birmingham City have dropped down the Championship table under Wayne Rooney‘s guidance.
In fact, Blues have somewhat plummeted down the standings, going from 6th when John Eustace left last month, to 18th after going five without a win under Rooney.
He’s taken just one point from his first five games in charge; one less than what Gianfranco Zola took in his first five games.
Blues remain eight points above the drop zone but now seven behind Sunderland in 6th, with the idea of a play-off finish this season now seeming like a distant one.
But the board look set to show a bit more faith in Rooney yet, and a fit-again Anderson will be a blessing.
Keshi Anderson at Birmingham City
Anderson left Blackpool as a free agent at the end of last season, and after a successful trial with Blues, penned a one-year deal with the option for a further year.
And he immediately impressed; he’s so far featured eight times in the Championship with one assist to his name, with his overall presence on the flanks and in attack making him a regular starter under Eustace, who labelled him as a ‘magnificent’ player earlier in the campaign.
Anderson remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in the draw with QPR back in September. Rooney suspects that he and fellow summer signing Tyler Roberts will be back again soon, though his exact return date remains unclear.
Anderson can help implement ‘no fear football’ at Blues
Rooney’s appointment came with a new motto; ‘no fear football’.
It’s something the board said that they want from their new boss, and whilst it certainly seems like Rooney has tried to make Blues more of an attacking outfit, it’s not panned out so far.
Injuries haven’t helped Birmingham City’s cause. Anderson’s absence is a blow and his eventual return, which doesn’t seem too far away, will be a blessing.
He’s a player who absolutely matches this no fear mentality; he’s pacy and direct, and although he wasn’t recording too many goal contributions before, he could be one who flourishes in a more positive Blues side.
Expect the likes of Oliver Burke to be fearing for his place in the XI when Anderson is fit again, with Koji Miyoshi potentially moving into the middle again to allow for Anderson to be deployed on the flank.
Up next for the Owls is a home game vs Sheffield Wednesday.