Tony Mowbray has a plan for ‘great’ players at Birmingham City

Tony Mowbray will continue to praise Juninho Bacuna, Birmingham City’s number seven, following his impressive free-kick against Stoke City.

Bacuna’s 49th-minute goal helped Blues win 2-1 at Bet365 Stadium on Saturday. The 26-year-old has seven goals and five assists so far this season.

Mowbray has compared the talented Curacao international to Sunderland’s Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts. The Blues manager wants to build a structure in which talented players like Bacuna can thrive.

“I don’t think it’s disrespectful to say he’s as mad as a hatter really,” Mowbray remarked. “He’s an excellent footballer.

“I simply try to tickle his tummy occasionally and tell him how amazing he is. He then expresses a desire to work hard for you.

Let’s give him the ball. In my previous team, I would instruct them to pass the ball to Clarkey or Roberts. (Amad Diallo) Simply give the ball to the best players.

“I can’t teach Bacuna to bend the ball into the upper corner from 25 yards; he just does it. You provide your team direction and structure.”