Nigel Pearson drops a big Bristol City selection hint ahead of Birmingham City test

Nigel Pearson has a big choice to make when he names his Bristol City side to face Birmingham City on Saturday.

For the first 12 games of the season, he has named a settled back line of Zak Vyner, Kal Naismith and Rob Atkinson, with mixed success.

Naismith, brought in on a free transfer from Luton Town has been in the centre of the three and has played a big role in helping the otherwise youthful partners alongside him.

The 30-year-old however will be out for the next ten days after coming off in the first-half in the goalless draw against Coventry City.

Fortunately, the calf injury he sustained will only keep him out for a short period, but it means a reshuffle for at least the next two matches.

As to who could replace the Scotland international, Pearson’s mind may have already been made up.

Andy King, who made his first start since January, slotted in the role, despite predominantly being a centre midfielder throughout his glittering career.

“I look at it more from an organisational side of it and more a leadership role,” Pearson explained when asking about his possible solutions.

“I think that would fall obviously on Andy King, he assumed that role the other night.

“In terms of breaking lines, Kal is pretty exceptional at that. I know we’ve conceded goals sometimes from doing that but the benefits far outweigh the risks we take.”

In the absence of midfielder Joe Williams and Naismith, two opportunities have opened up for the 50-time Wales international.

He started in midfield after Alex Scott was suspended but with him back, a midfield enforcer is needed to add steel to the centre of the pitch, but Han-Noah Massengo could be given a start instead.

It is likely that in a position that requires maximum concentration, as well as the ability to be confident in possession, that King - a player Pearson knows all too well from their time at Leicester City - is likely to start in defence.

“I thought Andy King did very well,” he added. We’ll find a way of making sure we are solid at the back.

“He’s at the stage of his career where he understands exactly what his strengths are and he’s on the coaching staff, so it’s good to get a member of the coaching staff on the pitch as well.

“Players bring different things to the team, for Andy King in particular playing in a role there especially in a three is something which he’s very capable of dealing with, so that is a real benefit for us.”

Should King start then it would be a sign of Pearson’s belief in one of his trusted lieutenants, given that he has a senior centre-back available at his disposal.

Timm Klose, who returned home to Switzerland for a period, is back in Bristol and has trained fully this week, which is a bonus given Naismith’s absence, and would be expected to slot straight back in.

The 34-year-old however is likely to be named as a substitute, and whilst defenders tend not to be introduced unless defending a lead, he could be used to push King higher forward should they need him to.

Pearson added: “Timm has trained and he will probably be in the squad for the weekend which is good news for us. We threw him in the deep end when he signed for us against Preston. Timm’s experience so hopefully he will play some part.”