‘Blockbuster’ Birmingham City star on loan from Arsenal nominated for Championship award

Birmingham City defender Auston Trusty has been nominated for the Championship Player of the Month award after a run of sublime performances throughout October. The 24-year-old, who has started every single league game for Blues this campaign, has become a star man since signing on loan from Arsenal.

Birmingham had an action-packed October with seven matches played - three of which were wins and two others ended in a sharing of points. Trusty was at the heart of Blues’ success, scoring three goals including a brace against Bristol City and an acrobatic effort in the 2-0 home victory over Queens Park Rangers.

There were also four clean sheets kept last month, with Trusty playing a key part alongside the likes of injury returnee Harlee Dean and Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Dion Sanderson. Blues are currently unbeaten in November with one game left to play before the World Cup international break.

Troy Deeney scored a late equaliser to earn a point at home to Swansea City on Tuesday. Before that, Blues recorded an impressive away win at Stoke City and battled through a bore draw with Millwall at St Andrew’s. John Eustace’s side, who play host to Sunderland on Friday evening