Troy a joy for victors, admits Nigel

NIGEL Pearson identified Troy Deeney as Birmingham City’s key player during Tuesday night’s 3-0 defeat at St Andrew’s.

The Bristol City manager was unhappy about his team’s performance as they were swept aside by a dominant second half display.

A deflected goal from Riley McGree gave Blues the perfect platform from which to take control through goals from Scott Hogan and Gary Gardner.

And it was Deeney’s link-up with Hogan with which the Robins found so difficult to deal – Pearson did not hold back.

“We were too soft, we’re an easy touch when teams ask questions of us. We weren’t good enough in both boxes,”Pearson said.

“It wasn’t a good night for us.

“Troy Deeney was very important for Birmingham, people forget how effective a striker he is. We didn’t deal with the threat from Deeney and Scott Hogan.

“The third goal is, wow, not good enough, I’m very annoyed about that. We’ve conceded poor goals.

“In terms of end product, we’re still too short, chances were at a premium.

“We’re in a difficult situation at the moment, the last two away trips we’ve been poor in different ways. We need to find our touch again, and show what I know they can produce.

“The weekend selection will be based on what I see and whether they’re sulking or not. Ultimately, if I don’t think players are up for it, they won’t be playing.

“One of the problems we have is not having a nasty edge to us.

“It’s a man’s game.”

Deeney has brought that to Blues in recent matches, setting up goals for McGree and Hogan and Hogan against Middlesbrough.

He now has two gaols and three assists in his ten games for Blues.