Jay Stansfield injury latest as pundit makes 'over the moon' Birmingham City claim

Birmingham City were one of the stories of the summer ahead of their much -anticipated return to the Championship and they have not failed to impress so far in the new season.

Chris Davies’ side stormed to the League One title with a record-smashing 111 points and built on their momentum with a summer of huge spending in the transfer market. Not only did Blues splash on new signings such as Kyogo Furuhashi, they offered ambitious contracts to big-name players such as Demarai Gray and Bright Osayi-Samuel in an attempt to earn back-to-back promotions.

Birmingham sit in 10th place in the Championship after seven points from their opening four matches - a record which is all the more impressive when you consider they have already faced two of the sides relegated from the Premier League last season, in addition to a tough away trip to Blackburn Rovers and EFL Cup victory away at Sheffield United.

With the challenges set to continue, Blues may have been offered a major boost during the international break.

Birmingham boost as Jay Stansfield set to return

In a promising piece of news for Birmingham fans, record signing Jay Stansfield may soon be back in action following reports by Football League World that his injury sustained in the EFL Cup at Port Vale is not as serious as was once feared.

Stansfield was absent for Blues’ 2-0 defeat at Leicester City last time out, as Davies’ side lost their Championship unbeaten record and looked devoid of sharpness in front of goal without the England U21 international. Fans had been frustrated at Davies’ decision to bring on Stansfield at Port Vale, seeing it as an unnecessary risk which proved true when Stansfield picked up an ankle injury.

Birmingham travel to high-flying Stoke City in their next fixture and will be boosted by the news that Stansfield may be fit enough for selection against the Potters.

Blues ‘over the moon’ - Lee Hendrie

Speaking to Football League World, Sky Sports EFL pundit Lee Hendrie revealed his thoughts on Stansfield and the news that the 22-year-old may be set to return from injury ahead of schedule.

"He's going to be a big player for them this season," Hendrie said. "I have no doubts that Jay Stansfield will continue to do what he has done so far, and that is be a big hit at the club.

"I think there were fears that he could have a longer-term injury, which doesn't seem to be the case and the facts at the moment. Happy days for Birmingham, they'll be over the moon with that. Hopefully he will be fit for the next game because, although they've got a big squad of players, I think he is one of the big players."

Stansfield has scored three goals already this campaign, having struck 23 in all competitions last season following his huge £15 million move to Birmingham. Taking into account the former Fulham man’s loan spell the previous campaign, he has already hit 39 goals for the club and will aim to surpass 50 this season. If Blues carry on the trajectory many are predicting for this campaign, that could be more than possible.