In brief: Pre-Birmingham City press conference

Wednesday, August 9th 2017

Lee Johnson and Jens Hegeler met the media ahead of Saturday's Sky Bet Championship clash with Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.

City's head coach answered questions from the local and national press along with the German defender.

Here's what they had to say:

LEE JOHNSON

- Johnson said he was excited to see new signing Niclas Eliasson train with City for the first time today, adding it will be interesting how quickly he adapts to English football

- City are waiting on international clearance for Eliasson and do not yet know whether or not he will be available to face Birmingham

- Johnson confirms City still have a couple of bids on the table for other players, but is reluctant to “flood the squad”

- Johnson reveals Gustav Engvall will be returning to Sweden on loan

- Milan Djuric and Matty Taylor are on their way back from injury, but Saturday comes too soon for the pair

- "I felt it was better for the team that I left Aden out. It doesn't mean he's going or the door is closed,” said Johnson of Aden Flint’s absence from last night’s Carabao Cup win

- The head coach confirms Flint did not refuse to play against Plymouth Argyle

- Two solo bids have come in for Flint from Birmingham, but neither matched City’s valuation

- City boss sees Birmingham game as a useful barometer of progress after two defeats to Blues last season

JENS HEGELER

- Defender delighted to score his first City goal against Plymouth

- Hegeler enjoying his new role and insists it has not been a big adjustment to slot in at centre-back

- German ready for City’s toughest test of the new season so far at Birmingham

- Hegeler praises new singing section at Ashton Gate and says City’s travelling supporters have a big part to play at St Andrew’s, with over 1,700 away tickets sold to date