This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Odin Bailey announced himself to the Championship prior to the international break, with a last-gasp header sealing all three points for Birmingham City against Middlesbrough, but he still isn't quite ready for a start.

On the chalkboard

Bailey was playing in just his fourth game for the Blues when he netted the winner against Boro, and the 19-year-old has now registered 59 minutes of game time for his boyhood club at senior level. What made the goal all that more special and memorable for the youngster, was the fact he bagged just two minutes after Middlesbrough thought they had snatched a point. In the games where his position has been recorded by Transfermarkt, the teenager has shown to be a versatile asset for whoever he plays for. Bailey predominantly occupies the attacking midfield role but has shown he is comfortable playing either side on the wing, as a centre-forward and even as a central midfielder. [caption align="alignnone" width="2051"] Soccer Football - Championship - Birmingham City v Middlesbrough - St Andrew's, Birmingham, Britain -October 4, 2019 Birmingham's Odin Bailey scores their second goal Action Images/Andrew Boyers EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.[/caption] The Englishman, who has played for his country at U16s level, spent two months on loan in the National League South with Gloucester City, playing 12 times and scoring twice for the Non-league side.

Not quite ready

The teenager picked the perfect time to score against Boro both in the game and for his club. His winner meant the Blues moved up to 12th in the table as Pep Clotet's side endure another topsy-turvy start to the season. Watch Birmingham City Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
However, despite goals out on loan and the memorable winner last time out, a start for the talented academy graduate might be a little too soon, considering the upcoming fixtures. Up next for Birmingham is a trip to Elland Road, with the visit of Fulham and away journey to Cardiff City to come soon after. In amongst these tough challenges for Clotet's side, the Blues do host Blackburn Rovers and Luton Town, and playing in these fixtures off the bench might be the best time for Bailey to earn a little more game time before he is thrust into a starting role. Indeed, Ivan Sunjic is in need of a midfield partner, as both Gary Gardner and Jude Bellingham have failed to hold down a starting role. However, Bailey is often deployed further forward, despite his abilities to play in the centre of the pitch. Upon signing his professional contract at Birmingham in 2016, U23s manager Steve Spooner told Birmingham Live: “He's a forward player that plays down the middle or off the side, a number 10 type player. He's very talented and has got good close control and a good variation of finishes." With Spooner's comments in mind and the fact Clotet often sets up in a 4-4-2 with two holding midfielders, perhaps it makes sense for a role later in the game when the tie is more open and his young, fresh legs can get to work.