Birmingham City have emerged as surprise late play-off contenders with a good run of recent form seeing Garry Monk's side within touching distance of the top six.

The Blues ran out 2-1 winners over play-off rivals Bristol City in midweek at Ashton Gate, and one man in particular impressed more than most during the win.

Connor Mahoney has struggled for regular game time this season, but started in the win over the Robins and scored the opening goal on the night.

The AFC Bournemouth loanee impressed throughout and will be hoping he has staked a strong enough claim to be a regular starter ahead of Jacques Maghoma.

But how will Maghoma be feeling at seeing Mahoney impress in the win last week?

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He's certainly going to be sat nervously waiting to hear the starting XI for weeks to come now, with Mahoney doing more than enough to rival him for a starting spot in Monk's squad.

Maghoma won't be used to have a considerable amount of competition for his starting spot, but he's surely going to be itching to return to the starting XI at the earliest of opportunities.

He'll fear that if Mahoney continues to impress, then he could lose his place in the squad for the remainder of this year's campaign.

Garry Monk isn't going to want to drop a player that is full of confidence and playing to a high standard, and it's vital that Maghoma raises his performance levels to that of Mahoney's.

Maghoma has been used to starting games, and has made 28 starts in total for the Blues this season, but with just five goals and three assists, he needs to be making more of a notable impact going forward.

He'll be doing everything he can to get back into the starting XI ahead of Mahoney, in what could be an interesting few months ahead of them for Birmingham as they challenge for a top six finish.

Competition for places can only be a good thing for Monk.