Troy Deeney drops Birmingham City return hint ahead of Hull City clash

Troy Deeney is nearing a return to fitness after more than two months on the sidelines.

The Birmingham City captain has not played since the FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle in which he injured his thigh late in the game.

The 33-year-old then broke down in training with a calf injury, leaving Blues light in attack.

However, in column in the club’s pre-match programme he told supporters this afternoon’s match with Hull City has come "one too early".

“Personally, I am feeling good and recovering well. Today’s game is just one too early for me to get the boots on again but when I get the nod, I will be ready,” he told Blues News.

“I hate watching on from the sidelines and I know I still have something to offer this team on the pitch. If I was happy to sit and watch, I would probably call it a day but that is not the case. I want to be playing.

“As you know I take the positives where I can though and by watching on and being in and around the place, it has been a good chance to continue influencing things in the best way possible. Working with Craig Gardner, the gaffer and others, we are getting this club to where we all want it to be.”

Blues face Middlesbrough on Tuesday before heading to Swansea next Saturday - the final game before the international break.

Lee Bowyer declined to put a date on Deeney’s return in his pre-match press conference, instead stressing the need for the striker to return to full fitness.

The urgency of his return has passed with Lyle Taylor, Scott Hogan and Lukas Jutkiewicz all fit and involved against the Tigers today.