Garry Monk has issued a positive update on the involvement of Harlee Dean heading into this Saturday’s trip to Pride Park to take on Derby County.

The Birmingham defender was forced off in last weekend’s win over Sheffield Wednesday with what looked to be a hip injury.

With a week to heal and recover from the knock received in the 13th minute at St. Andrews, he could well be in contention to feature for the Blues.

Dean has played a part in every one of Birmingham’s Championship fixtures this season and has been an important first-team player.

Speaking ahead of the match to the club’s official media channels, Monk confirmed Dean had overcome a problem and should be fit to travel to the home of the Rams.

“Harlee Dean is fit and available for this weekend’s game,” he said. “He has shrugged off a hip injury after coming off last week. 

“He’s been training all week with the rest of the lads, and he’s ready for Saturday.”

Dean is expected to keep up his 100 per cent appearance record for Monk’s side this weekend after the positive news was revealed.

The verdict

With the run Birmingham City have been on in recent weeks, continuity has been key to that and keeping players fit and playing regularly has seen an upturn in form.

With Harlee Dean’s early departure last week rocking the Blues a little, the news he is fit and available this weekend is a huge boost to their chances of making it five wins in a row and increasing their run to seven games without defeat.

This news should lift the players and the fans who are travelling to Pride Park and give them even more assurance that their side has what it takes to see off an impressive Derby side that has started the season in imperious form.