Birmingham City head coach Chris Davies says summer signing Dael Fry is having to 'bide his time' for a regular starting role. The 29-year-old defender has made just three appearances since arriving on a free transfer in the summer, with Christoph Klarer and Phil Neumann currently ahead of him in the pecking order.

Davies described Fry as a really important player and a leader already. "I see him as a really important player," Davies said. "I've had some really good conversations with him and he's a leader already."

The manager pointed to the long Championship season as a reason for patience. "He's having to bide his time," Davies added. "He's patient, he's a good character, he knows the game and knows that in a 50-game season we're eight games in." Birmingham City are currently 10th in the Championship standings with 11 points from eight matches, a position that leaves them close to the play-off spots.

Fry's limited involvement comes despite his extensive experience. He joined after playing exactly 300 games for Middlesbrough, the club he helped reach last season's Championship play-off final. He faced his former side last time out at St Andrew's, where Birmingham drew 2-2. Liam Millar and an own goal from Riley McGree had put the Blues ahead before a late equaliser. That result is part of a broader pattern, as the team's stats show they have lost only once in the league this campaign but have drawn five of their eight games, a record Davies knows must improve for a serious promotion push.

Fry's leadership and know-how, developed over a decade at Middlesbrough after coming through their academy, is seen as a valuable asset for the challenges ahead. Birmingham did well to secure Fry on a contract running until 2029 after cutting ties with Jack Robinson at the end of last season. His next chance to feature could come after the international break when Birmingham travel to The Hawthorns to face West Brom, who are fifth in the table. That match is a key part of the upcoming fixtures as Davies looks to turn draws into wins and climb the league.

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Manager Chris Davies criticised the officials after the 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough at St Andrew's. The Blues boss said, "It's scandalous if he's had two hands on the ball and it's been missed." Davies was referring to a late free-kick which led to Adilson Malanda's 88th-minute equaliser after a James Beadle error. The result leaves Birmingham 10th in the Championship with 11 points from eight games. They next travel to The Hawthorns to face West Brom.

Birmingham City supporters have criticised goalkeeper James Beadle after the 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough at St Andrew's. Fan Kevin said Beadle is "again a liability and has again cost us points." Another supporter, John, said the result felt like two points dropped, citing a poor error from Beadle. The Blues, with a record of two wins, five draws and one loss from eight games, next travel to The Hawthorns to face West Brom.