Birmingham City head coach Chris Davies has revealed his delight at loanee Luke Harris’ response to being left out of the team in recent weeks.
The 19-year-old joined the Blues on a season-long loan in August from Premier League outfit Fulham. He started the campaign in the starting lineup but suffered an ankle injury in September which saw him miss seven league games.
During his absence, Birmingham picked up six victories. As a result, the attacking midfielder had to make do with a place amongst the substitutes, starting just twice up until this weekend.
Davies Full Of Praise For Harris
Having drawn their last two games, Davies brought the teenager back into the fold for last weekend’s clash with Wigan Athletic. He played a key role in their 3-0 win, earning praise from his head coach. Speaking to Birmingham Live, the 39-year-old said:
“It was good from Luke because it’s hard to come in out the cold but Wigan try and play, they try and pass the ball around so we needed real energy and legs to try and press that. One thing Luke does like no one else really is cover ground.
“But with the ball, I’ve wanted more from Luke and I’ve told him that and he’s been receptive to that and he wants more from himself. He was neat and tidy with the ball. I still want him to go and score because that’s what he is, he’s a goal-scoring midfielder, but he was accomplished in his performance.”
Continuing, Davies admitted that it’s been tough on Harris, who has barely featured in his preferred position:
“I’ve played Luke left, right and he’s a number 10, and sometimes you’ve got to take that into account, but what I will say is his energy and his appetite is exceptional. He’s so young and what he needs is game time to grow and improve. The situation we’re in it’s not always possible to blood the youngsters but he’s done very well, started the season well and that gives Luke a marker now to kick on.”
Writer’s View
Such is the competition for places at Birmingham, it is up to their fringe players to take their chances when they are given the opportunity. Harris certainly looks to have grasped that with both hands and he’ll be expecting to keep his place for this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Lincoln City. Davies was always likely to rotate his squad for this game, so this will be another great opportunity to see what Harris can do from the start.
