Lee Bowyer drops Birmingham City selection hints as Manchester United man returns

Lee Bowyer will use the final match of Birmingham City ’s season as an opportunity to showcase the talents of some of Blues’ brightest academy products. The head coach has revealed he will add a pair of teenagers to his squad to face Blackburn, a result that means little on the pitch but could be symbolic in the dugout.

Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has already confirmed this weekend’s match will be his last in charge of the club, while Bowyer says he is aware of the speculation surrounding his future and has talks planned with chairman Zhao Wenqing on Monday.

Before that, though, the head coach will call-up 16-year-old Jobe Bellingham and 17-year-old George Hall, whilst also retaining the services of Jordan James and Nico Gordon. Further up the age range Tahith Chong will also be involved.

Bowyer said: “George Hall will be in the squad, young JJ will remain in the squad, Nico is obviously going to remain in the squad. Young Jobe will come into the squad.

“What I have said before I see two young players [George and Jobe] that have good potential and I see them growing and improving. A few weeks ago when I felt we were safe I said these youngsters would get minutes when it’s the right time to do so.

“I did that at the weekend and brought on JJ for the last half hour. I could easily have kept [Juninho] Bacuna on but JJ is the future of this football club and if you don’t give them minutes when you are safe and not playing too much, then when can you?

“It’s giving them experience because at some stage next season I am sure he [James] will be in and around it and will need to play. That’s why I did it with him and that’s why I will do it on Saturday.”

Hall started the Championship game with QPR in January but picked up