Blues boss Kieran McKenna says youngster Cameron Humphreys is progressing well, despite his first-team opportunities having been more limited this season.

Academy product Humphreys made his first Championship start in the 0-0 draw with QPR last week in his secondary position of left-back, only his sixth appearance of the season, four of those in the Carabao Cup.

The 20-year-old, primarily a central midfielder, looks set to feature again when the Blues take on League Two AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

“We feel like he's progressing really well,” McKenna said. “And, of course, that's something only we can make the judgement on internally.

“But seeing him day in and day out, the way that he's developing physically, he's already very mature, but mentally he's still developing and pushing to another level, and he's continuing to work really hard on all aspects of the game. 

“So we feel like he's continued to improve. He's a really important member of the group. I have to say, even as the youngest member of the group, he's a standard-setter on a daily basis. And for that reason, he has the respect of everyone within the group and he's been an important member of the squad. 

“Of course, the challenge for any young player is trying to get minutes in the team that's evolving and improving because as you evolve and improve, as a young player, the team's doing that as well, so the bar gets higher and higher.

“But we feel that he's capable of making that step and he's already contributed well this season, and we'll continue to both see him as a valuable addition to the squad, but also try and make good considerations to his medium and long-term future as well, because we think is an important part of the club.”

Photo: Matchday Images

Scuzzer added 18:06 - Jan 4 Nailed on to play at Wimbledon...but which position?
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ArnieM added 18:52 - Jan 4 If he plays at LB like he did in the second half v QPR David might have a fight on his hands to his shirt back ….. brilliant competition!
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Karlosfandangal added 19:13 - Jan 4 Scuzzier Goalkeeper…….he looks good in any position….looks a great prospect
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blueboy1981 added 19:39 - Jan 4 Humphreys is a Real Talent - such that he will never let his Team / Club down.
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jayceee added 19:44 - Jan 4 The more McKenna says and does, the more respect I have for him as a manager. Gotta love how he's never publicly negative about his team or any of his players, and just goes about boosting the confidence of individuals like he is doing here.
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pennblue added 20:43 - Jan 4 I would have liked to see him in Midfield with Morsy against Stoke.
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