Birmingham City ready to unleash their new defensive partnership

Sep 7 2009 By Colin Tattum

BIRMINGHAM City have yet to launch their dynamic duo on the Premier League.

But when they do get it together, they could provide a welcome defensive cornerstone that could serve the club well for years.

Roger Johnson has so far taken to life at St Andrew’s and in the Premier League with aplomb.

Alex McLeish swooped for the inspirational Cardiff City captain and two-time player-of-the-year after deciding Radhi Jaidi’s time was up.

And Scott Dann was spirited away from Coventry City with the intention of completing a new-look partnership.

Dann, because of a thigh injury, has been unable to kick a ball in competitive anger.

However, he is set to make his reserve team comeback on Tuesday at West Ham United and should soon be pushing for a place.

Currently, Franck Queudrue has the spot alongside Johnson, with Giovanny Espinoza, another summer capture, as back-up due to Martin Taylor’s ankle problem.

Had he not broken his leg, Liam Ridgewell would likely have been preferred ahead of Dann in the pecking order. But there should be an opening very soon for Dann to press his claims.

Former Blues captain and promotion-winning coach Ian Atkins predicted that they had the potential to be a good future pairing at the back.

Atkins, who was a distinguished performer in midfielder or central defence throughout his career, said that ideally if you could combine the attributes of the duo then you would have a top class player on your hands.

“Roger Johnson’s a player I’ve known since his Wycombe Wanderers days,” recalled Atkins.

“He probably deserves this chance now in the Premier League, he’s done very well in the Championship and lower leagues.

“He plays with a lot of heart and he’s a defender first and foremost, you don’t get a lot of quality on the ball with him, he’s not the type who wants to be clever and bring it out from the back.

“He’s one of those centre-halves who does what the job requires, he wants to stop the opposition and dominate in the areas he should.

“I think the Birmingham fans will make him a favourite as he plays with that sort of passion and desire they like.

“He’s done well so far and he showed last season in the cup matches that he can hold his own against some of the best players.”

Dann’s rise to prominence has been sharp. He broke through at Walsall and moved to Coventry City, establishing himself as a key performer in no time.

McLeish felt compelled to shell out £3.5 million for his services.