Birmingham manager Chris Davies says Bright Osayi-Samuel can reclaim his place in the starting lineup if he makes the most of his opportunities, SportPremi reports.
Osayi-Samuel sealed a return to the English Championship in the summer with his move to The Blues, following the expiration of his contract at Turkish club Fenerbahce.
The Super Eagles defender was also close to joining Besiktas, but the move did not materialize due to differences in wage demands.
He initially became a regular under Chris Davies this season, starting the club’s first four league games, but has since lost his spot to Tomoki Iwata, who has been preferred in the right-back position.
The Nigerian international has played only 15 minutes across Birmingham City’s last four matches, but is expected to earn a starting berth in the club’s clash with Watford on Monday night, with Iwata suspended.
The Japanese international will miss the clash due to suspension, giving Osayi-Samuel an opportunity to impress and possibly reclaim the position as the club’s first-choice option in the role.
Birmingham City are currently 10th on the standings and welcome Watford to St Andrews on Monday night, hoping to close the gap to the playoff positions.
Davies backs Osayi-Samuel to reclaim starting berth
Despite starting the season as the club’s first-choice right-back, Bright Osayi-Samuel’s role has been reduced over the last couple of games due to the emergence of Japanese midfielder Tomoki Iwata, whose versatility also makes him flourish at the fullback position.
The Nigerian defender is also in contention to make the Super Eagles squad for next month’s African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
Speaking ahead of Birmingham’s clash against Watford in the English Championship on Monday night, manager Chris Davies acknowledges Osayi-Samuel’s talents and has backed the defender to reclaim his position.
“Bright has been brought in to be an important player for us”, the manager said.
“He made a good start then with injuries he found himself out of the team.
“Tomoki was moved to right-back because both right-backs were injured and Tomoki has been one of if not the best full-back in the league in that time, he’s been exceptional”, Chris Davies continued.
“There’s an opportunity for Bright to come in and show what he can do because he’s an international player, he’s played at a really good level and he’s been working well.”
