Hull City sent Liam Millar on loan to Birmingham City just a few days after he scored the winner at Coventry City
Liam Millar celebrates after being voted Player of the Match against Derby County(Image: Lee Keuneke/PA Wire)
Most people associated with Birmingham City are gushing about Liam Millar’s embryonic Blues career.
The Canadian, who left Hull City on loan three days after scoring the winner at Coventry City, has made a huge impact, playing well on his debut and then providing an assist and having a goal erroneously disallowed in his second appearance.
Then on Saturday, the 26-year-old gave Derby County the run around, setting up both in a 2-1 win that have restored Birmingham’s faith they might emulate the Tigers and reach the Premier League.
In the build-up to the match at Pride Park, Blues boss Chris Davies has already admitted he has been pleasantly surprised by how good Millar has been.
After seeing the former Preston man named the Player of the Match against the Rams, Davies was even more effusive.
“He has been excellent, he has had to play three games in a week straight away,” he said.
“He shows his experience. Some players you don’t have to talk too much to, or coach too much, they get it, the system we play is similar to how he has played for a few different clubs.
“But in terms of your positions with the ball, your organisation without the ball, your jobs, your role for the team. It’s like he has been here all pre-season at least – or even longer than that, he has fitted in straight away.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest Hull City news and analysis on our Hull Live FB page
“Most importantly he knows what this league is, he knows you can go to Norwich and get a punch in the face, then come back to Derby and get something – but it’s going to be hard. He shows all the traits you need for this league.”
Blues reporter Alex Dicken has already suggested the Championship club should consider making the loan a permanent transfer, either in January or at the end of the season.
As things stand Millar is due to be out of contract next summer although City do have an option for a further 12 months. At the very least that could assure them a fee if they do decide to move on.
But it also gives them control over a player who, as Davies said, is proven in the second tier and who has a good record of goals and assists.
Which is probably why Sergej Jakirovic said he was sorry to see Millar go – but also left the door open for a player who will be 27 later this month.
“I think it’s a great move for Liam but at the end of the day he will be on the pitch. We loan him and then we will see what will happen in the future.”
Millar is doing his best to shape that future and the Tigers stand to benefit either way.
Here at Hull Live, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Hull City coverage and analysis. Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group.
You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.