Birmingham City produced a determined display to overcome high-flying Cardiff on Friday night in Steve Cotterill's first game in charge.

The ex-Bristol City manager seemed to have the team very well organised and the pace of Che Adams and Isaac Vassell in attack was a real source of trouble for Neil Warnock's men.

Another player who delivered a much-improved showing was Cheikh N'Doye.

The powerful Senegal midfielder made the move from Angers to St. Andrew's in the summer and was expected to be a key man for Blues this season. However, he struggled early on.

Yet, he was much more like fans had hoped on Friday night and his manager believes he just needs time to adapt to his new surroundings.

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Cotterill cited Jonathan Kodjia's early troubles in England as proof that you need time – and that you need to learn the language, which N'Doye has yet to master.

“It's a different game that he's coming from. When Jonathan Kodjia came in the game was flying around him and he was miles off it for the first few games. But then the penny drops a little bit.”

“As regards getting N'Doye up to speed with his language first of all would help him. So it will take him time to settle in.”

The Verdict

Steve Cotterill is correct and has outlines just some of the issues that foreign players face when they join a new club, although he maybe didn't need to reference a Villa player!

Cheikh N'Doye needs time to settle and will surely come good. He has played for Senegal 18 times and has over 60 games under his belt in Ligue 1, so quite clearly he is an effective player.

Friday's display was pleasing for Blues fans, who will hope he can kick on.

What do you think Birmingham fans? Let us know your thoughts.