I love Isaac to death, says boss Cotterill
STEVE Cotterill believes Isaac Vassell is going to get even better after the striker played a starring role in Birmingham City’s 1-0 win over Cardiff.
The Blues boss, who oversaw a superb turnaround in fortunes in his first game in charge, was thrilled by the performances of many of his players.
Not least Vassell, who was named official man of the match, and who drew fulsome praise from his manager.
“I thought he was tremendous,” Cotterill said. “I love this kid to death, he is an absolute diamond. I was delighted for him.
“He could be proper good and I don’t think he is fit yet because he hasn’t played enough football. That was his first 90 minutes. The staff kept saying to me, ‘He has only played 45 minutes, you know’.
“But I keep looking at him and there was no chance I was going to bring him off. I thought he was excellent.”
Vassell was making his full Championship debut for Blues on Friday night, having come off the bench in his previous six league appearances.
Meanwhile, Blues’ summer target Jordan Hugill is set to be made available for transfer in January.
The Preston striker was one of the Championship’s hottest properties during the window.
Blues made at least one bid for the 25-year-old, while Wolves were reported to have submitted an offer, both of which were rejected.
After leading the club’s scoring charts with 13 goals last season, Hugill has found the net six times already this term.
It is understood Preston are now ready to cash in on Hugill, who handed in a transfer request in August, if their £12 million asking price is met.