Neumann needs to stay patient for return - Davies

Birmingham City boss Chris Davies says defender Phil Neumann will have to carry on being patient for a chance to get back into the starting XI.

The German joined Blues in the summer from Hannover 96 and made the last of his five Championship appearances on 13 September in the defeat by Stoke City.

Davies has since opted to use a left-footer on the left side of the central defence with Jack Robinson coming in alongside Christoph Klarer.

Davies said Neumann is unlucky to miss out but he felt a tactical tweak was needed.

"He came out of the team when I felt we needed a left-footed centre-back for our balance - I felt we were getting a bit stuck and finding it hard to progress the ball," Davies told BBC Radio WM.

"Having a left-footer was a bit more seamless getting the ball wider, quicker.

"It's a different league and we need to adapt and Jack is someone who knows it really well.

"I think he's [Neumann] new to the country and league and shown some of his qualities. But, as I've said to him, he needs to keep proving it every day and keep earning his place in the team and with Jack and Cashin [Eiran] there's good competition in there."

Birmingham host Hull City on Saturday as the Championship returns after the international break with Blues unbeaten in their last two and protecting their long unbeaten home record in the league.

They have not lost at St Andrew's since April 2024 - 29 games ago.

"It's a good record to have and shows we're a real force at home," Davies said.

"It's an amazing place to play - blue everywhere, the anthem, and the whole atmosphere, I love it.

"We need the fans and the reason we've got the record is because of them and the intimidation factor it gives us."

Davies also gave an update on several players' progress back from injury.

He said Marvin Ducksch, Willum Willumsson and Bright Osayi-Samuel were all "close" to full-fitness but Ethan Laird's hamstring injury will still keep him out "well into the new year".