Lee Bowyer speaks out on Troy Deeney’s situation at Birmingham City

Deeney, who joined the Blues in the summer from Watford, has been absent for the last 11 weeks. 

The former Watford striker suffered an injury that has kept him on the sidelines for nearly three months. 

Bowyer has claimed that Deeney will likely get his chance back in the side but that he isn’t guaranteed to go straight back into the side once fit. 

Lyle Taylor has cemented his position up front during Deeney’s absence, with his penalty securing the three points for Birmingham in their 1-0 victory over rivals West Brom on Sunday afternoon. 

“Nothing’s changed,” said Bowyer, via Birmingham World.

“[He’s not been playing] because he hasn’t been fit for 11 weeks? Nothing’s changed. No problems. No worries.

“Will he play again for me? There’s no reason why not.

“He trained well this week, hopefully he trains well again next week.

“Troy Deeney is no different to anybody else. Troy Deeney gets treated the same and with the same respect as every other player.

“If you work hard and you do what I ask, then you play. Competition for places. He’s got three strikers that are in front of him and he’s got to work hard to get back involved, that’s the same for every player not just Troy.

“Ivan Sunjic wasn’t in the team today, he did nothing wrong against Swansea he was excellent. Jordan Graham has been excellent for I don’t know how many games now, he’s not in the team today.

“Sometimes it’s just small little tactical things. Troy has trained for three days in 11 weeks out, he has to bide his time like everybody else.”

Deeney has not featured for Birmingham since the side’s 1-0 loss in the FA Cup to Plymouth Argyle in January.

The former Watford forward has played 18 Championship games for Bowyer’s side this season, scoring four