Aitor Karanka explains Birmingham City decision as confusion over Celtic transfer emerges
Birmingham City news - BCFC morning headlines from BirminghamLive
by Shane Ireland, https://www.facebook.com/ShaneIrelandJournalistHere are your Blues morning headlines for Monday, September 14.
Every word from Karanka on Jeacock decision, Jutkiewicz and more
"For me the keeper should be a good goalkeeper but for me the most important thing for our ‘keeper is he should transmit his calm.
"I met Zach one month ago and if he has something it is that he is calm and confident. Even when he is nervous you don’t feel he is nervous.
"Neil arrived yesterday, didn’t train with the team, he didn’t know his team-mates – for sure he will play but I did not have any doubts that Zach was going to be our ‘keeper.
"On Tuesday or Wednesday I had told the goalkeeper coach I didn’t care who was coming or not because he knew that Zach was going to play.
"To have a calm keeper on the pitch you have to give him your confidence."
Celtic confusion over transfer listed Gimenez
Alvaro Gimenez is in limbo just a month after completing a permanent departute from Birmingham City.
The striker joined Blues from Spanish second division side Almeria last summer on a three-year contract.
But he scored just three goals under former boss Pep Clotet - one of which came on his home debut against Barnsley - having struggled to adapt to the demands of the Championship.
Gimenez returned to Spain to sign on loan for Cadiz in the January transfer window and after helping the side to promotion to La Liga, made his stay permanent in August.
But the 29-year-old is already being pushed towards the exit door. Eldesmarque reports Cadiz would 'welcome' Gimenez's departure before the window closes.
The startling change in Karanka's Blues
The togetherness was clear to see – just as Cambridge’s goal sapped their self-belief last week – Jeremie Bela’s strike saw Karanka’s men grow an inch taller, writes Brian Dick.
There was positive reinforcement throughout.
George Friend led the encouragement, such as giving Kristian Pedersen a hug when the Dane produced a piece of strong defending at the back post.
When Bela found the net, sparking a mini-celebration, Friend turned and beckoned for his team-mates to join in.
But he wasn’t the only one – Maikel Kieftenbeld was clapping and exhorting as he warmed up on the touchline.
Indeed there were pats, slaps, high fives, fist bumps all round. Is there togetherness developing in the socially distanced era?