Roberto Martinez is ready to hand Jason Scotland a Birmingham start despite his international trip this week

Swansea City entertain Birmingham City at the Liberty Stadium on Friday evening with the chance to break into the top 6 for the first time this season.

Scotland has been away on international duty this week and was a substitute getting 11 minutes of action as the Soca Warriors eased past USA to reach the next stage of CONCACAF qualifying.

Jason will now head back to South Wales where it was initially expected he would be on the bench on Friday but it is evident that Roberto is keen to play his in form striker against the side currently 2nd in the division.

“We will do everything we can to get Jason on the pitch,” Martinez told the Western Mail. “But he needs to be 100%.

“The last thing we want is to have people on the pitch that aren’t 100%. We can’t afford to do that because it wouldn’t be good enough against a team like Birmingham.

“But, with the form Jason is in right now, it’s important he plays as many minutes as possible right now. That’s something we have to assess and just hope he makes it.”

He continued: “Jason always wants to play. He is one of those people that gives you the impression he doesn’t always care, but is really a natural winner that wants to be involved in every single game.

“That’s a great attribute to have. He never misses training or games after internationals which shows you how fit he is and also that he takes his responsibility at this club very seriously.

“Jason is in great form and it’s important he is ready for us,” he said. “When he gets back we will assess him, see how he is and hopefully let him enjoy his football like he has been in recent weeks.

“His performance at Norwich last week was very special. And, when Jason is in that sort of mood, it makes the difference at this level.”

He continued: “The flights do take a lot out of people, especially someone who has three important games in a short period of time. It’s a huge demand and, with the way we play, you can’t get away with a half-hearted performance.

“But, on the other side, if he gets a good result and plays well, he can bring that confidence to Swansea City.

“So there are always two ways to look at it and, so long as he doesn’t get an injury, I will be very happy.”

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls