BIRMINGHAM PRE-MATCH MEDIA | HARRIS (PART 1)
Neil Harris held a pre-match press conference at the Vale Resort ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Birmingham City.
The City boss reflected on the South Wales derby and FA Cup Third Round, revealing which of his players took an opportunity to impress with both hands.
“When you go away from home and get a result, whoever the opposition, it always puts pleasing thoughts in your mind,” he began.
“The previous game against Swansea, I brought on Callum [Paterson] and Josh [Murphy] while Gavin [Whyte] played, because they all did well in the first cup game against Carlisle.
“There are always thought processes about players forcing their way in. That’s not just in games – it’s in training as well. I’m a big believer in training well and setting your standards.”
With no fresh injury concerns, Harris expressed his satisfaction with his group of players who are fit and firing, including the Bluebirds’ returning number eight.
“It was very pleasing to have Joe [Ralls] back in the group too," he continued. "He’s an infectious character, great in training, fantastic in the changing room and very popular among the lads.
“He plays wholeheartedly and certainly adds to the competitive nature of the squad going into the coming weeks.
“We are really pleased with the group we’ve got at the moment. Can we support it with a new player or two? Possibly. It is a lot tighter, numbers-wise, and Joe adding to the dynamics of that midfield is a good option for us.”
Finally, the manager looked ahead to Saturday’s match, assessing the next away test lying in wait for his men.
“They’re another strong Championship side,” he said. “They can pass the ball with their personnel, but have played quite direct in the last couple of games, with Jutkiewicz who is a very experienced quality centre forward at this level and they’ve had two very good results.
“Going to St Andrew's is never an easy place to go, but is an enjoyable away day as a player, manager and fan. We look at them, know their strengths and where we can affect them.
“But we look at us, building off a strong performance against Swansea, the result the other night and the mentality I’ve seen in training. I’m looking forward to seeing the players again. We just need that little bit of quality in the final third too, and that’s the aim.”