Birmingham City head coach has challenged defender Ethan Laird to improve his attacking output in order to nail down a regular starting position.
The 23-year-old started the campaign in Davies’ starting XI before injury ruled him out for all of September. He broke back into the team upon his return but he has had to make do with a place on the substitutes bench in the last two games following the 3-2 defeat against Shrewsbury Town last month.
Traditionally a right-back, Birmingham’s dominance in possession this season means that the former Manchester United youngster is given the freedom to roam forward. He also started further up the field in the FA Cup win over Blackpool last weekend. However, he is yet to register a goal or assist this season.
Davies Confident Laird Can Improve Attacking Output
With Keshi Anderson suspended for this afternoon’s trip to Barnsley, Laird could see himself return to the side, albeit in a more advanced role. Via Birmingham Live, Davies revealed that he has held conversations with the defender, challenging him with becoming more of a goal threat:
“That’s something we’ve spoken about. Me and Ethan have got a really good relationship in terms of he’s hungry to improve and wants to know where he can do better. He’s had a good season, he’s been disrupted by injury but he’s an important player for us.
“We spoke about the advanced areas that he gets into and the volume of actions that he has there… Can he increase the outputs? Absolutely. That’s a challenge not just for him but for all players. On a few occasions he’s picked people out and it actually hasn’t ended up in a goal, there’s been a block on the line or a save. In that role, can you get more assists or even arrive to score at the back post?”
Writer’s View
With so much competition for places at Birmingham, it isn’t a surprise to see players drop in and out of the team. Whilst Laird is an exceptionally talented player who is capable of Championship level football, the modern day full-back is required to be able to produce at both ends of the pitch. He’s only 23, so has plenty of time to improve on this area of his game. If he nails that, he will become a very valuable asset for Birmingham in the coming months, especially towards the business end of the season.
Head of Writing
