Brum’s fighting fit again

LEE BOWYER insisted Birmingham’s display against Bristol City proved what might have been this season.

The Blues boss has been frustrated by a long injury list, but welcomed back Tahith Chong for his first game since October and Marc Roberts following a lengthy break.

Lyle Taylor returned up front and there was a first Championship start of the season for Nico Gordon, who has also had injury problems. All played key roles.

Bowyer said: “It just shows what sort of season we might have had. Tahith was our most creative player before his injury and today, despite being rusty, he has scored and played well.

“Lyle made a difference in attack, Nico has got himself a goal and Marc Roberts was huge for us at the back.” Manchester

United loanee Chong turned inside the box to send a low second-minute shot past Dan Bentley from a narrow angle, and Gordon headed home Jordan Graham’s 13th-minute corner.

Alex Scott pulled a goal back three minutes into the second half with a close-range finish from Jay Dasliva’s cross.

The hosts improved after boss Nigel Pearson made two defensive changes at the break, sending on Cameron Pring and Rob Atkinson, but Birmingham ended strongly and Bentley twice denied Juninho Bacuna.

Pearson said: “We were poor today. We don’t have enough players who can put back-toback performances in.

“Some of our current lads lack personal drive, which is also a concern.”