Gary Rowett throws away the task to Siriki Dembele following Birmingham City rejection

Gary Rowett wants Siriki Dembele to combine his undeniable skill with football’s non-negotiables in order to reclaim his place as a Championship force.

After a strong start to his Birmingham City career, summer signing Dembele has lost his way after the turn of the year. Since his debut in Tony Mowbray’s first game as manager three months ago, the 27-year-old has yet to score or assist.

The enigmatic winger was dropped from Mowbray’s starting lineup and appeared sparingly during Mark Venus’ six-game interim stint. Rowett has also neglected Dembele in favour of Juninho Bacuna and Keshi Anderson on the left wing.

Dembele has only played 10 minutes in Rowett’s five games to date, and the interim Blues manager has put down the gauntlet to the Ivorian.

Rowett stated of Dembele, “He trained really well today; it was probably the best I’ve seen him train.” Siriki is like everyone else; I have to make decisions based on what I expect to see when players enter the pitch.

“I’ve seen him throughout the years, and he’s a really skilled player. I believe if he complements that with energy, workrate, and determination, he may be nearly unstoppable in this classification. It ensures we receive it. If I am unsure, I will always go with someone I see every day doing it. But he has been fine.

“We have had to leave out some pretty good players thus far. There are players we’ve had to leave out who have trained exceptionally well. If I came into a group of 20 players and all 20 remained fit, it would be amazing; all 20 could be in the squad and participate, but I’ve inherited a group of 24, 25 individuals, all of whom believe they should be in the starting lineup.

“Unfortunately, a few will be disappointed. He is one of those. A fantastic talent, but at the time, we need to make sure everyone is doing the right things so that talent can come in.”