Birmingham City star makes 'important' admission about Championship rival amid Leeds United uncertainty

Cody Drameh has credited Birmingham City's opponents Cardiff City for the role they played in his development.

Blues host the Bluebirds at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park this evening in a match that Birmingham must not lose. They dropped to second from bottom after Sheffield Wednesday claimed a point against Norwich but a win tonight could see them come out of the bottom three.

One player who is pushing to be a part of proceedings is Drameh, who has been on the bench for the last two games against Preston North End and Leicester City. If he plays tonight, he will come up against Cardiff, his first club away from Leeds United.

The 22-year-old played 22 times for Cardiff in the 2021/22 season and was named their Player of the Year despite only arriving in January. He is highly thought of by supporters of the Welsh club and he has now reflected on his time with them.

“My loan spell at Cardiff City was very important for my development as a player. It was my first loan experience, going into a first-team environment, where they put their faith in me and hopefully, I repaid the faith they put in me," he told WalesOnline.

"At the time, getting consistent minutes for me was vital for my development and me experiencing playing weekly.

“My six months at Cardiff was important for me as I was playing most weeks, and it was my first proper experience of playing Championship football. Joining Cardiff at the time, they were hovering near the relegation zone, so being able to help Cardiff stay in the league was a personal achievement and was great for the club.”

“I had a great relationship with the Cardiff supporters during my time at the club. Every time people ask me about my time at Cardiff, I always have high praise for them. The fans were top and I remember a lot of the time when I was in the stadium, they would be chanting my name, so I’m very appreciative of them.”

Drameh has played in one of the three games that Gary Rowett has taken charge of and that as at left wing-back against QPR. He has made 29 appearances for Birmingham after joining on deadline day in the summer from Leeds on a season-long loan.

His future beyond this season is uncertain as his contract at Elland Road expires. He has been limited to just 10 appearances for the Whites and he made just two appearances under Daniel Farke.

It was reported in mid-March by Football Insider that Drameh will not be offered a new contract in the summer. If Birmingham were interested in re-signing him then they would have to pay compensation as Drameh came through their academy.