Birmingham City manager Garry Monk has received a New Year boost with the news that striker Isaac Vassell is having his first outing for the Development squad against Barnsley this weekend, as confirmed on the club website.

Vassell has been out for 14 months with a knee and hip injury but if he comes through this latest challenge, he could well be in contention for a recall to the first team squad.

So will the return of Vassell be a boost for Birmingham?

We discuss.....

Louie Chandler

Definitely.

Jutkiewicz and Adams have done brilliantly so far but injecting a bit more competition can only be a good thing.

Before his injury Vassell looked very promising so this is definitely a boost.

Gary Hutchinson

Any bodies back in the squad is good for the Blues.

This next month will be hard for them, watching teams recruit and build whilst they stand still.

That said, standing still has done them right so far.

They’ll be okay until the summer, but beyond that they have to be in better shape off the field.

George Dagless

Without doubt.

Birmingham have a chance of the play-offs this season and having Vassell back will certainly boost that.

Jutkiewicz and Adams have done a good job so having Vassell around as well is a positive.