Wolves youngster Dion Sanderson finally made his debut for Birmingham City last night.
The 21-year-old has had to bide his time for his first appearance, having been nursing a back injury picked up towards the end of last season.
The issue caused Sanderson to miss Sunderland’s final six games in League One, and the two legs of the play-off semi-final against Lincoln City.
Having recovered, Sanderson was finally handed his debut by Lee Bowyer last night in the EFL Cup against Fulham.
The Blues have started the season well in the Championship and currently sit seventh, but they came unstuck against the Cottagers in the cup.
Goals from Jay Stansfield and Antonee Robinson handed the visitors a 2-0 win and safe passage into the third round.
Sanderson played for around 73 minutes, and gave a good account of himself.
He was fairly busy at the back, making three clearances and three interceptions. He won 4/5 duels, and gave away just the one foul (via Sofascore).
Blues boss Lee Bowyer said after the game (via Birmingham Live): “He’s quick, he’s strong, he’s powerful, he defends properly, he has improved our squad and that’s why we brought him here.”
It is a big season for Sanderson, who made great strides in his development last season on loan at Sunderland.
Getting regular minutes in the Championship is the next step for him.
Wolves will be hoping he can feature as much as possible, as there is certainly potential for him to break into the first-team.
The club’s faith in Sanderson was highlighted by the new deal they gave him before making his move to the Midlands.
On social media, fans were giving their reactions to Sanderson’s first outing as a Blue.
Although Birmingham conceded with him on the pitch and it was not the best team performance, Sanderson did come in for praise:
Yes agree, him Friend and Sanderson especially were probably the only shining lights.
— Nick (@NickMorrisBCFC) August 25, 2021
I thought McGree was anonymous, except for his miss.
But, Sanderson and Oakley really shone throughout and Graham was superb in first 45 too.
Chang had a decent battling cameo too. #BCFC
— Scott Jinks (@ScottieJinks) August 24, 2021
Sanderson and Sunjjc excellent. Oakley did well. Aneke, Roberts alright – Castillo and Graham looked poor compared to v Colchester. #BCFC
— Brad Smith (@BrummieBrad) August 24, 2021
he was one of the only players that actually put some graft in tonight. play him more often, he’s quality
— č-j (@jukeyisdead) August 25, 2021
I was at the game and he was class he would be motm if blues won
— itsLiteralYT (@YtScopz) August 25, 2021
Looks a player to me.
— John Ramsay (@JohnR200) August 25, 2021