Kieran Dowell’s loan move to Birmingham City is proving to be a welcome change after a frustrating spell at Rangers, where he was often sidelined and used sporadically under manager Philippe Clement.
The midfielder has quickly made his mark at St Andrew’s since joining the English League One leaders in January, with another stellar performance in Birmingham’s 4-0 win over Cambridge United on Tuesday night.
Dowell, who has already shown that he’s capable of covering multiple positions for the Blues, sealed the victory with a precise left-footed strike for his sides third goal prior to the half-time interval, capping a superb team move that saw the ball flow from back to front through a series of incisive passes.
Although it’s only been two weeks since his Birmingham debut, Dowell has quickly established himself as a key player, with five games played and glowing praise from manager Chris Davies.
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“I’m really pleased and really impressed physically,” Davies said following Dowell’s latest display.
“He’s not played a lot of football at Rangers but he covers some distance. Even his goal, he could have easily stayed back rather than follow the attack and sprinting into the box.
“He took his goal well. He’s got real legs.
“I’ve used him in four different positions already, he is tactically really astute, switched on, a good character, I don’t think he could have wished for a better start.”
Reflecting on his contribution, Dowell told Birmingham City TV: “We have dominated every game we have played in since I’ve been here. That is what attracted me to the club. The manager said that’s what this team does, so we always create a lot of chances. To finish one of those off today was nice.
“I think it’s helped going straight into the team and then with the way the manager sets us up, it’s almost like whoever is in those positions the decision is made for you, so it’s worked well so far.”
Talking specifically about netting his first goal for the club, Dowell said: “It’s come straight from the kick-off I think from the second goal and then there’s a loose ball, back heel to Willum [Þór Willumsson], he’s played it down the side, Jay [Stansfield] has tucked it inside, Keshi [Anderson] has let it run then I finish it off. Good move.
“If there’s anything to take from the game then we probably could’ve scored a few more in the second half but all-in-all a good win in the end.”
