Lee Bowyer delivers Huddersfield transfer verdict ahead of Birmingham City clash

Birmingham City boss Lee Bowyer says he has been impressed by Huddersfield Town's player recruitment ahead of the two sides meeting on Saturday.

The Terriers have not suffered defeat since the back end of November, going on a 16-match unbeaten run that includes an FA Cup win over Premier League side Burnley and a victory over league leaders Fulham last week.

The Yorkshire outfit are fourth in the Championship table and making a surprise run for the play-offs that very few onlookers would have predicted before the season began.

Carlos Corberan's men underlined their promotion credentials in midweek by coming from behind against Cardiff City to win 2-1 in the 96th minute of the game.

Huddersfield have made clever use of the loan market and free agency this term to get their squad to this level, something Bowyer has had to negotiate himself as Blues manager.

The 45-year-old commended this weekend's visitors in this regard and complemented their performance level of late.

"Huddersfield have recruited really well," Bowyer said at his pre-match press conference.

"They are 16 unbeaten, that is some run in this league. They are a good side, good pace, well organised and good in the final third. They are in the top six for a reason."

He added: "I am looking forward to the weekend, we are in a good place. Results haven’t gone our way but it is just a matter of time before we can turn that around."

Birmingham City will be missing seven first-team players for the game, but there are signs that their rotten luck with injuries may finally be turning around.

Strike duo Scott Hogan and Troy Deeney are both out of action with calf injuries, as is defender George Friend, while hamstring injuries have afflicted centre-backs Teden