Of all the qualities Wes Harding has demonstrated at Birmingham City, persistence is probably the one that has served him best.
Indeed, it is a trait that has carried him from rejection as a youngster to next cab off the rank in Garry Monk’s squad.
It is one that could well establish him as a regular in the Blues first team, after following up his breakthrough campaign with a solid 30 game season - spent playing all across the back four.
Unfortunately for Harding the man in front of him Birmingham City ’s best defender and arguably the top right back in the Championship.
“I was delighted to play as much as I did, whether it was off the bench or starting. Next year I just want to kick on and play more,” Harding said.
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“Max is a good pro, with a lot of players you could sit back and moan about who’s in front of you - he doesn’t even give me the chance to do that.
“He is in front of me - and rightly so, he’s a good player. But that’s what I am working towards and I know I will be there one day.
“I think the manager has confidence in me, I think that comes off what I have shown as well.
“I always want to show that I am ready and will do well as soon as I get the chance. He is a good man for giving me that chance.”
Garry Monk has certainly done that. From throwing an untested rookie into the white-heat of a relegation battle in 2017/2018, he had no hesitation asking Harding to deputise for Colin when necessary.
He played him at left back at Villa Park and used him towards the end of the season as a centre half when Harlee Dean and Michael Morrison pulled up lame.
“I enjoyed centre back, I liked getting on it and passing it a bit, I liked right back - didn’t like left back as much.
“Any right back will tell you it feels awkward to be stood on that side but any game time is good experience.
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“Two years ago I was behind four right backs so I know anything is possible and that I have just got to take my chance when I get it.”
Next for Harding is a return to pre-season training, which Monk has already promised will be more exacting than 12 months ago.
“I am not looking forward to it, I am looking forward to after it once the season starts but as I have said you have got to start well with pre-season and hit the ground running.
“That hard work last summer showed at the end of the season, we were still strong and kicking on.”
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