Birmingham City dealt blow as 'outstanding' player hit with one-game ban

Birmingham City will have to do without an ‘outstanding’ player for their trip to Barnsley at the weekend.

Chris Davies branded Keshi Anderson ‘outstanding’ for his performance against Stockport County on Wednesday. He twice set up Alfie May in the space of nine minutes, inspiring Blues to victory.

It appears though that the 29-year-old will have to sit in the stands when 5,000 supporters make the trip to Oakwell. In the second-half, Anderson lost his footing and fouled Callum Connolly which resulted in a booking.

Ben Toner’s decision to caution him means that Anderson has picked up his fifth yellow card of the term, which automatically means a one match ban. Players must avoid getting five yellow cards before the 19th-game of the season or otherwise they will earn a suspension.

“I think Keshi, his first assist was excellent,” said Davies to BBC Radio West Midlands.

“He's a great presser. He reads the game very well tactically.

“He was quick to get there and what I liked about it was he had a cool head to pick Alfie out for the finish.

“The second goal is that he’s slid in and again a nice cross and finish, so Keshi was outstanding.

“What I know with Keshi is, he'll always give us all and work hard and that's the first thing I asked her, and that's why he's very often on the team sheet.”

Anderson this term has recorded five assists and four goals across 21 games. His contract was due to expire this summer, but he extended his stay at St Andrew's until the summer of 2026.

His absence on Saturday means Chris Davies is faced with a decision on who to replace him. Ethan Laird was brought on for Anderson in the late stages of the match.

“Absolutely, he’ll be a big miss,” said Davies, when it was told to him that he would have to do without one of his former players.

“He’s an experienced player, and an important player for us. We’re going to absolutely miss him. That’s the reason we’ve got a squad to cope with these things and give someone else an opportunity.