Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has urged Bright Osayi-Samuel to step up and reclaim his starting berth from Tomoki Iwata as the Blues prepare to face Watford at the St Andrew’s on Saturday.

 Osayi-Samuel, who arrived from Turkish giants Fenerbahçe in the summer, enjoyed a promising start to life at St Andrew’s, notably impressing in Birmingham’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town on the opening day of the season.

However, a dip in form combined with an injury  saw him lose his place to Japan international Tomoki Iwata.

The Japanese fullback, originally deployed at right-back due to an injury crisis in the squad, has since flourished in the role, delivering consistently outstanding performances.

 With Iwata ruled out due to suspension after accumulating yellow cards, the door has opened once again for Osayi-Samuel.

Speaking ahead of the clash against Watford, Davies reaffirmed the club’s faith in the 27-year-old full-back.

“Bright has been brought in to be an important player for us,” Davies told Birmingham Mail. 

“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.”

However, Davies insisted the current situation presents a valuable opportunity for Osayi-Samuel to remind fans and coaches of his quality.

 “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.”

The 27-year-old has featured thirteen times across all competitions since joining from Turkish club Fenerbahce in the summer.

Osayi-Samuel has made 13 appearances across all competitions since joining the Blues, but Saturday’s match is expected to be his first start since October.

With home supporters behind him at St Andrew’s, the defender will be eager to deliver a standout performance and reignite his push for a regular starting berth. 

Adeyemi Adewale