Aneke is yet to replicate the goalscoring prowess he has shown in League One and League Two in the second tier, but he proved last season at Charlton that he can be a very efficient finisher when afforded the chances to put the ball in the net.

The Verdict

Birmingham have not finished above 17th in any of the last five seasons, and in that there is a clear opportunity for the Blues to demonstrate that they have improved this term. Even if it is only as a player with a squad rotation role, a fit and confident Chuks Aneke would be a huge asset in looking to push for a top half finish in the second half of the campaign.

It must have been a wake up call that 17-year-old George Hall partnered Deeney up top against Rangers ahead of Aneke. Whether that was a matter of fitness or choice for Lee Bowyer remains to be seen, but it shows that the first team chances are there if Aneke can grab them with both hands.