Ethan Laird makes 'time will tell' statement Birmingham City fans will love - as defender opens up in 10-minute Q&A

Giddy, excitable, passionate, determined, strong, resilient... you name it. Birmingham City defender Ethan Laird encapsulates all of these characteristics to a T and more.

The former Manchester United man has seen his first season at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park interrupted by injuries but he's consistently been one of the best players in the squad when fit and available. A connection has already been established between Laird and the fanbase, too, as his energy both on and off the field is contagious.

He's also very generous with his time – something reporters are eternally grateful for. Arriving into the press room at around 10.45pm following the 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers, Laird could have spent around two or three minutes before getting off on his way but he stuck around for much longer and appeared to thoroughly enjoy himself.

Ethan Laird Q&A

Here's every word Laird said on Tuesday night, including a superb "time will tell" admission, what it's like to be held back by injuries, and how Birmingham are progressing under Tony Mowbray.

How does it feel to finally win again?

“It was a win that we needed. We’ve been playing well, we’ve been battling, we’ve been creating chances but we just haven’t been scoring. Even though it was a 1-0 win, it’s something we can build on because we’re getting the chances, we just need to start finishing. I’m sure that will come. Confidence-wise we’ve been really boosted. Hopefully we can carry on the momentum."

What’s it like when the chances don’t go in? Do your heads drop?

“I don’t really think like that as then it’s as if we’re defeated already. That’s why we keep creating chances and believing in our players. The fans might ooh and ah but that’s not what we’re focusing on. We’re focusing on trying to get the ball in the back of the net. Sometimes in games, things don’t fall for you but now we’ve got one hopefully we can get two or three."

What's it like to work with Mowbray now he's bedded into the football club?

“He’s a family guy. It’s really easy for us to feel him and his presence. He’s really welcoming and warm and his character helps us as a team. We’ve had a few managers and it can be hard because of different philosophies but honestly, he’s been great. I feel we’ve really warmed to him and we’re going to get there – we’re going to get better and better. Time will tell."

Lots of positions being thrown at you – now left back?

“It is different but I think that’s him trusting me, which obviously having the trust of managers is a big thing and I’m thankful for that. Whatever he needs me to do, honestly, midfield, striker I’ll do it. Whatever will help the team, I’ll do it."

You must be relieved Ashley Cole is still around!

Laird beckoned with laughter. “Oh yeah! Ashley mate, I’ve spoken about him before, I love him as a coach, as a person. Obviously, when I’m a full back it’s a dream to work with him. I’m still a bit nervy because he’s the pinnacle but I’m warming to him and he’s great for me. Long may it continue!"

You’ve had to be a bit more reserved with your attacking runs under Mowbray compared to Rooney, how has that been?

“We’re still working on it. I wouldn’t say we’ve cemented a plan yet. We’ve played games back-to-back a bit different. That’s the gift the manager has, he’s trying to understand these players and what the best fit is. That’s a testament to him, we just need to buy into it. Once he gets us fully going, we’ll be great and well off."

Are you looking at the table much, given the relegation zone isn’t far away?

“Me personally, I don’t because I don’t really define us by the table because of how talented we are as a group, how much it means to us to win a game regardless of the table. The table comes into play when you’re near relegation or play-offs, but every game you need to go in to win. That’s going to be our mentality regardless. The table matters but I don’t really think about it. With the group of lads we have, the character we have, the manager – we should just keep trying to win games and the rest will take care of itself."

Is this season now about working on improving rather than achieving anything in particular? 

“I’m not going to rule out anything, that’s the kind of person I am – I’m optimistic. But yeah, you could say that. Every game, every day, every training session we’re trying to improve. Now we’re with Tony Mowbray, we’ve got to buy in and work on ourselves as much as possible."

How did you cope with your injuries?

“Don’t be fooled by my character, it does hurt because I love playing football. I’ve been doing it since I was nine, it’s a hobby, it’s a love. Now I’m blessed enough for it to be my work, so when you get injured it really hurts mentally.

"There have been days where I couldn’t cope and you do go a bit low but that’s something people don’t really say. I do believe I’m strong but we have those days, we’re only human. You know what I’m like as a character, I just want to get on the pitch as possible. Sometimes because I give it my all, it puts me at risk of certain injuries but I’m not going to stop doing that because that’s the type of person and player I am."

Do you have much of a support network?

“The whole dressing room, I can’t fault any of them. I’m a loud character I’d say in the changing room, so when I’m quiet people do realise. I have to do that to calm myself down. They know, it’s that eye contact where they ask if you’re OK. That’s all I need and then I can get back to it, thinking about the next game. The lads know me now, the staff are great. 

“I remember the groin injury I had, Ash [Cole] was helping me because I was really down. I’d been playing really well and then something so random got me just like that. I thought, ‘Can I catch a break? This has been like my worst season’. Usually, I’m playing about 35 games a season – I haven’t been through this.

“I’m not going to say the words but Ash came up with a few words and I just remember going from a frown to knowing he was right. Then, my smile came back. Testament to Ash."

Do you like to stick around the football when you’re injured or do you avoid it?

“Yes, there will be days I will and days I won’t because it hurts seeing your boys playing and you can’t affect it. That’s me as a character, I want to be involved with it because I want to be giving it my all with the boys. When I physically can’t, it affects me. There will be days I don’t want to be around it, but when I’m feeling good I’ve got to be there to give them a boost because I’m a loud voice. I like to keep people happy because I’m giddy and like to give that energy to people around me."