Gary Rowett wants Birmingham City attacker Siriki Dembele to be ready when called upon in the club’s remaining games of the season
According to Gary Rowett, Siriki Dembele will be crucial for Birmingham City in the final stretch, and the forward for the Blues needs to be prepared to have an impact on games as soon as the interim manager thinks it’s appropriate. Due to a foot ailment, Dembele hasn’t played for Blues since early March. Despite just rejoining the team, he hasn’t played a minute under Rowett.
Along with Jay Stansfield, Koji Miyoshi, Jordan James, and Juninho Bacuna, Dembele, a summer transfer from Bournemouth, is one of the team’s most significant players in the final third this season with six goals, although only one since November. After speaking with the attacker, Rowett anticipates using him in the upcoming games as the Blues attempt to maintain their Championship standing for an additional campaign.
When attempting to temper Dembele’s brilliance as Millwall’s manager, Rowett was well aware of his quality. Being fully aware of his skills, Rowett is excited about the possibility of being able to employ the Ivorian in the run-in as and when needed. However, similar to George Hall, who was not selected for the squad on Monday, there are horses for courses.
He’s another I’ve spoken to,” Rowett said. “When I walk into the building, I’m sure most players are thinking ‘I hope he really likes me and picks me straightaway’. I think that’s the nature of every player, or most players at least should want to play every game. You have to see some players with their specific qualities and try to find the right moments for them to impact games. Some games perhaps don’t suit some players, some games do.
“He’s a talented player. I’ve played against the teams he’s played for. Very difficult to mark, when I was at Millwall I think we played Peterborough and he was unplayable on the day. There’ll be a point when we need to see the best of Dembs, but at the moment you can only start 11 and they’re the decisions I’ve made based on the football and what I’ve seen previously.”
