Former Blue Kieron Dyer says his old club could have a decent season ahead of them from what he saw while playing for West Ham in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat of the Blues. Dyer was disappointed not to get a look at Connor Wickham, but says he saw why Blues boss Roy Keane has promoted 18-year-old midfielder Luke Hyam to his side.
Dyer, who left Portman Road for Newcastle for a club record £6.5 million in 1999, says that while Town are a week nearer peak fitness than the Hammers, he was impressed with what he saw: "It was very hard to judge, they’re a week ahead of us in training. But they did well, they had a few chances, probably more than us on the day. I think they could have a decent season.
"I know they’ve got a few injuries to key players, I was really looking forward to seeing Connor Wickham play because I think he could probably break my transfer record here!”
The England international, who hopes he is finally over his injury problems, says Luke Hyam was by no means intimidated when up against experienced Premier League opposition: "Luke Hyam’s a confident young lad, he was barging me in the back, barging Scott Parker and wasn’t overawed by the experience.
"I’ve seen what Roy Keane has said about him having a lot of energy and hopefully he’s one for the future.”
Dyer, 31, has previously been linked with a return to his hometown club once his West Ham days are over, something he doesn’t entirely rule out: "I don’t believe in comebacks, but you never know, you never know!”
Meanwhile, Town's midfield target is reportedly currently injured. Last week, Blues boss Roy Keane said he would look at adding another midfielder to his squad if Owen Garvan moved on. The Irish midfielder looks set to complete his move to Crystal Palace today or tomorrow.