Lyndon Dykes could make the difference for Birmingham City as super-sub has another 'big moment' in Swansea win

Birmingham City had high expectations coming into their return to the Championship this season and could have found themselves in a much worse position after six games, had it not been for Lyndon Dykes.

The Scotland striker rose highest in the 94th minute to head home Patrick Roberts’ cross and secure a tense 1-0 victory for Chris Davies’ men against Swansea City on Saturday afternoon. The goal came just seven minutes after the 29-year-old had been introduced from the bench.

This was not the first time Dykes had made a decisive contribution as a substitute this season already. He poked home eight minutes into stoppage time to win the game 2-1 in a trip to Blackburn Rovers in August, once again after he was introduced with less than 10 minutes remaining of the 90.

Dykes may not be a central figure for Blues this season, but he is beginning to develop a role as ‘super-sub’ already.

Dykes could make a real difference for Birmingham this season

What makes Saturday’s story all the more intriguing is the fact that Dykes was close to departing St Andrew’s on transfer deadline day, as a potential loan move to Hibernian fell through. It seems as though the 44-cap Scotland international has taken that in his stride and come back stronger.

Birmingham have a wealth of attacking options and can threaten opposition sides from all angles - that is why a loan exit for Dykes became a possibility in the first place. The 6ft 2in striker may not boast the goalscoring pedigree of Kyogo Furuhashi or the dynamism and potential of record signing Jay Stansfield, but he certainly offers Davies something different up front. His aerial prowess was clear to see against Swansea, while he has been known to pop up with important goals previously in his career.

Dykes struck 35 Championship goals in 156 appearances for QPR following a £2 million move from Livingston in the Scottish Premiership in 2020. While never quite prolific, he was regularly the top scorer in an underperforming side and snatched a last-gasp equaliser away at Sheffield United mere days before he swapped Loftus Road for Birmingham last summer. That particular goal came just three minutes after Dykes had entered the field of play, on what would prove to be his final appearance for the west London club.

It feels necessary to add that not all of Dykes’ cameos off the bench for Birmingham this season have had a positive impact. The striker previously conceded a stoppage-time penalty for handball, allowing Ipswich Town to earn a point on the opening day. The incident was wholly unfortunate, though, and Dykes has more than made up for it with his goalscoring contributions since then.

Davies praises ‘big moment’ after Dykes’ impact off the bench

Blues boss Davies spoke glowingly of Dykes and his impact after his match-winning cameo on Saturday, stating that it has become a regular occurrence and that Dykes is an “important” member of his squad.

“Lyndon’s been with me for one whole season and he’s been really effective coming on as a substitute and making those big moments,” said Davies. “I can think of Bradford in the Vertu Trophy last season, he did it at Blackburn earlier this season. There’s been a few others as well. He’s been an important part of the squad.

“I spoke to Lyndon on the phone when he was away with Scotland. We speak a lot – I talk to all the players about where they stand. And he wants to be here, to work hard, to fight for his place and he’s clearly showed today what contribution you can make. He’s come back and he’s been great.

“I’m so pleased he’s here – and in my time here he’s had a few big moments. He’s professional – a really reliable player and, as far as I’m concerned, he can keep on having moments like that because it’s going to be all the better for us.”