United loanee set to return in February

The Manchester United forward had been impressing for the Championship club after an eye-catching pre-season with the Reds.

Unfortunately, he ruptured a thigh tendon and required surgery in early November, forcing him onto the sidelines.

Bowyer admits Blues have missed the 22-year-old, who has made 13 league appearances for them, and is delighted Chong appears to be ahead of schedule in his recovery.

"He is moving in the right direction," Bowyer told the local press. "We are hopeful that we should be getting him back in February – fingers crossed that nothing happens between now and then. But there is some light at the end of the tunnel with Tahith.

"We have missed him badly," added Bowyer. "Just what he brings us in the final third. He gets us up the pitch and creates so many problems. We have missed that type of player, for sure, and his work-rate.

"I can’t say anything negative about him, it’s only positive, he is a great lad and I cannot wait for him to come back.

"I don’t know a specific date but some time in February. Then, when he comes back to us, he has got to train for a couple of weeks before he can actually play.”

Birmingham are currently in 18th place in the Championship table.