Krystian Bielik solved one of Birmingham City’s most pressing issues by reverting to defence against Coventry and guiding his team to a clean sheet.

In the absence of Marc Roberts, interim boss Gary Rowett had been forced to pair Emanuel Aiwu and Dion Sanderson together at centre-back in his opening four games. Blues have only won two of the 13 matches Aiwu and Sanderson have started together in central defence. In contrast, Blues have won both games this term when Sanderson and Bielik have been paired together at the back.

Bielik has proved to be the perfect partner for Sanderson, whereas Aiwu’s presence only seemed to unsettle the Blues captain. Rowett was full of praise for Bielik after Blues’ 3-0 win over Coventry.

Analysing the Pole’s part in orchestrating Blues’ third goal, Rowett said: “Krystian Bielik, for some reason, is overlapping on the left wing as a centre-back in a back four - I’m not quite sure why he was there but it shows his versatility when he steps in with the ball. He’s a fantastic footballer and he’s been brilliant so far.”

READ: Ivan Sunjic opens up on 'very tough season' and his own Birmingham City blueprint

READ: Keshi Anderson makes 'preference' admission and addresses his Blues future

Standard set

Blues hit such heights against Coventry that they will surely be assured of safety if they get close to that level in their final three fixtures. Rotherham and Huddersfield, who are Blues’ next two opponents, don’t possess the same class and quality as the Sky Blues.

Having said that, Blues won’t be taking them lightly. Rotherham have already taken a point off Blues this season and their direct style will present problems for a side lacking in height.

Keshi Anderson commented: “We might not be able to play the same way because Rotherham are a more direct team. You want to run all over the opposition but the next game could be more of a fight where the ball is in the air a lot more.”

James misses out on award

Blues midfielder Jordan James missed out on the Championship’s Young Player of the Year award at the EFL bash on Sunday. Leeds United starlet Archie Gray, 18, pipped James to the accolade after helping his team force their way into automatic promotion contention.

With eight goals in the Championship to his name, James has enjoyed a breakthrough season at club level and recently made his 100th Blues appearance before his 20th birthday. He has also starred on the international stage with Wales this term, although his country agonisingly missed out on a place at this summer’s Euros to Poland last month.

Huddersfield allocation revealed

Blues will be backed by almost 2,500 when they head to Huddersfield Town for what could well be a survival decider later this month. Blues head to the John Smith's Stadium on Saturday, April 27 to do battle against their relegation rivals, in what now appears to be the most significant game in the run-in.

Blues are currently a point above the drop zone with three matches left to play and already relegated Rotherham United on the horizon. Huddersfield, meanwhile, were denied a crucial three points when they conceded a penalty in the 99th minute of their clash at Bristol City on Saturday and, as a result, they remain in the bottom three. Sheffield Wednesday, who were held by Stoke City at the weekend, remain the other side in the current relegation zone who have a live chance of escaping.

The ticket prices are £25 for adults, £20 for 60+, £15 for under-19s and £10 for under-11s.