Birmingham City ready to unleash their new defensive partnership
“Scott Dann probably has a point to prove,” noted Atkins. “There was a period of time when you wondered whether he was a central midfielder or centre-half because of his ability.
“His quality on the ball is excellent, he’s comfortable with it at his feet and he uses it very well.
“I think there’s been a question mark over him, is he strong enough to be a centre-half?
“That’s what he’s got to answer and really, if you could put Roger Johnson and Scott Dann together as one then you’d have a great player.”
The importance of the spine of a side cannot be understated. And the defenders in the middle need to be just so.
Blues initial success in the Premier League was due in no small part to the ability of and understanding between Kenny Cunningham and Matthew Upson. McLeish has been impressed with the way Johnson, his £5 million signing from the Bluebirds, has adapted to the top-flight so far.
He acquitted himself well at Manchester United on his debut against Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov.
Then at Spurs, he wasn’t embarrassed by the in-form Jermain Defoe or Robbie Keane.
When Peter Crouch entered the fray at White Hart Lane, Johnson was faced with a different set of problems, and didn’t find it plain sailing.
But that’s something he has to get used to, said McLeish.
“In the pre-season games – and this is the nature of football, you judge people early – Roger wasn’t at his best,” said the manager. “But pre-season results were secondary to the fitness input for us, and Roger had been coming back from a tidy up operation.
“As soon as he got his sharpness, he showed how good a player he is.
“He’s evolving well in this league and he had a real battle with a top centre-forward the other weekend,” added McLeish.
“First of all in Defoe – and contrary to Lee Dixon’s comments on Match of the Day, Defoe didn’t have four or five chances – and he went against him very well.
Evolve
“Then he went against a different player in Crouch and at times Crouch looked unplayable.
“Roger was disappointed himself with the goal and the other header where Crouch got in.
“But that’s where you evolve as a player. On the pitch, in these battles, it’s about finding a solution in the game, how you overcome a tough opponent,” he said.
“I think Roger Johnson is a quick learner and I am certain he will be a success for us.”
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