Keshi Anderson, who has been out with an injury for a while, is cautious about being thrust back into Birmingham City’s starting lineup.

On Boxing Day, the 28-year-old finally made his way back into the game when he came on as a 77th-minute substitute in Blues’ 3-1 loss to Stoke City.After suffering a hamstring injury in the 0-0 draw with Queens Park Rangers on September 22, Anderson had been sidelined for three frustrating months. However, his ordeal came to an end with this result.

Fatigue from the final three Championship games played over the course of six days was the cause of the injury. “Overstretching caused the injury,” Anderson clarified.

“I didn’t play in many games the previous season, but this one I played a lot of minutes quickly. It was literally down to fatigue. Due to my want to contribute to the squad and the fact that the game week was scheduled for Saturday, Tuesday, and Friday, I was unable to fully recuperate.

Anderson is eager to prevent a repetition for Blues after spending the majority of his last season at Blackpool on the sidelines. His goal is to increase his playing time gradually before aiming for a Championship start when the Blues meet Swansea City in mid-January.

Getting game minutes should not be a problem because, fortunately, the games happen quickly throughout the Christmas season, according to Anderson. “On January 6, we play Hull City in the FA Cup. Perhaps we can rotate a few players.”

“Hopefully, I can get some playing time during the upcoming games, and by mid-January, I should be back up to a spot where I could be a starter.” I hope that’s how the gaffer interprets it.

It’s only been recently that Anderson has been able to catch the notice of new manager Wayne Rooney on the training fields. Because of his versatility, the former player for Blackpool, Swindon, and Crystal Palace offers Rooney a range of choices.

Although he can also play in center midfield, Anderson spent the majority of the season playing either wide left or directly behind the main striker. If Rooney persists with the 4-3-3 formation we have seen recently, Anderson gives him a much-needed option on the left of the midfield three.

He added: “I feel like they know me as a player. I played against the gaffer when he was at Derby so I imagine they know about me and the qualities that I can give.”

On Friday night, Anderson might rack up additional minutes against Bristol City. In August, he was the highlight of the Blues’ 2-0 triumph at Ashton Gate over the Robins.

Bristol is a respectable side. We played them earlier on in the season and they move the ball well. But we beat them once so I’d back us to beat them again.”

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