CHRIS Hughton has told Blues they have to bring a ‘‘bit of everything’’ to their play in order to be successful in the Championship.

Blues have rightly received plaudits this campaign for the type of football they have tried to implement.

But it’s more than just composed passing and tricky wing work.

Blues have to maintain a physical edge to their game, which was apparent in the Boxing Day scrap against West Ham United.

The Hammers are a powerful unit, with strong players. Away from home, this has helped them garner seven victories, the best tally in the division.

Blues had to match Sam Allardyce’s team muscle for muscle, and this pleased Hughton.

“To do well in this league you have to have a bit of everything,” said the manager.

“You can see West Ham have. They have power, pace, they defend well as a unit and in Papa Bouba Diop a great shield in front of the back four.

“Our performance second half was excellent. We matched them in all departments.

“When we needed to be physical, we could, and when we needed to be direct. When we needed to have our moments of composure, getting the ball out to Nathan Redmond, who came on for us, and in particular Chris Burke, we were able to do that.

“All we didn’t have was that additional goal that would have won us the game.