Dean leads from front on and off pitch

PEP Clotet took a big decision when he opted to make Harlee Dean wait for his Blues recall on Saturday.

Despite the fact Dean was available again following his three-game suspension, Blues’ head coach chose to start the Millwall match with incumbents Marc Roberts and Jake Clarke-Salter.

The latter, on loan from Chelsea and in theory the more vulnerable to Dean’s return, scored Blues’ equaliser in a 1-1 draw at St Andrew’s, while the former did not enjoy such a happy afternoon, being carried off after a quarter of the match after landing awkwardly after jumping for a header.

Asked about the selection call, Clotet revealed it was not an uncomfortable pre-match conversation, with Dean showing his leadership right through his suspension – and even when he found out he would have to bide his time.

“He understood that Jake and Robbo were doing very well,” Clotet said. “He took it very well actually, proof of good captaincy. The fact he understood that, supported them and he knew it was not an easy situation for me.

“But he respected the fact I wanted to be fair with the players who have been playing and doing well for us.

“He was ready to wait for his chance and after a few minutes he was in. That’s the game and he was in.”

Dean is expected to remain in the side for the trip to Reading this weekend, and Roberts’ misfortune will allow him to move back to the right of central defence.

And 22-year-old ClarkeSalter will continue on the left.

“I am very pleased with Clarke-Salter, his performances, focus, ability to produce different kind of facets for us,” Clotet continued. “And his mentality defensively as well, he managed that very well.

“He is growing a lot, making his steps forward.”