Steve Cotterill is set to welcome back a host of Birmingham City’s first-team squad this weekend when they welcome Cardiff City to St Andrew’s, reports the club’s official Twitter feed.
Cotterill is preparing for his first game as Birmingham’s manager this Friday, after he was appointed as Harry Redknapp’s permanent successor prior to the international break.
Birmingham enter Friday’s clash with Cardiff in the Sky Bet Championship’s relegation zone, whilst their visitors sit top of the table after an outstanding start to the season.
Cotterill provided some positive news ahead of Friday’s clash, confirming that Jason Lowe, Che Adams and Jota were all in contention to return for Birmingham, following a period of time out.
Lowe, 26, has managed to make just three appearances for Birmingham since his summer arrival, with the last of those coming against Preston North End early last month – Redknapp’s final game as the club’s manager.
Neither Adams or Jota have featured since Birmingham’s defeat to Leeds on September 12th, after both picked up injuries on a miserable night in West Yorkshire.
Birmingham have recorded just two victories all season, and only picked up three points once in their last nine Championship fixtures.
The Verdict
This is a huge boost for Cotterill heading into his first fixture as manager, with Lowe, and particularly, Adams and Jota vital members of Birmingham’s playing squad.
Reintroducing Adams and Jota should reenergise Birmingham’s attack, and if the duo can feature against Cardiff on Friday, Cotterill’s side will have a chance of picking up a positive result.
The size of the job Cotterill faces is huge, but he will be confident of turning things around if key players remain fit.
Birmingham fans… Let us know your thoughts!