Chris takes positives from a rare off-night

BLUES exited the Carabao Cup before the third round once again after losing to Port Vale on home turf.

- By ALEX DICKEN

Jaheim Headley scored the only goal of the game shortly before halftime to condemn Blues to just their third defeat at St Andrew's under Chris Davies.

Blues couldn’t muster a response, despite the boss using all five of his substitutes by the 76th minute. Here are Tuesday night's talking points.

Nobody gave Davies a decision to make

In truth, Davies had probably already decided his XI for tomorrow night's trip to Leicester before the defeat to Vale, hence why so many regulars were given the night off, but nobody who played here will have changed his mind.

You want fringe players to stand out in these matches and Lewis Koumas was the only bright spark, not that he will be expecting a starting role at the King Power. “You could see he’s up to speed and has played a bit for Liverpool in preseason,” said Davies. “I love the way he plays. He’s got that energy and intensity I love, and you could see he’s really vibrant. I think he’s going to be an important player for us.”

A mixed bag from Ducksch