Former Derby County defender Curtis Davies has heaped praise on new Birmingham City boss Wayne Rooney but has also fired a warning to the Manchester United legend's new side.

It was confirmed last Monday that head coach John Eustace would be relieved from his duties following a 3-1 victory in the West Midlands derby despite the Blues sitting sixth in the Championship.

Club CEO Garry Cook declared that Birmingham City and Eustace did not see eye-to-eye about certain aspects of the team moving forward, hence the decision was made. In the end, the worst-kept secret in football was finally revealed as ex-Rams boss Rooney was named as Eustace's successor.

The 37-year-old left his post with DC United in the MLS merely days before accepting Birmingham's contract offer to sit in the hot seat at St. Andrew's. His first game with the Blues will come away from home on Saturday against Middlesbrough, coached by his former Man United and England teammate Michael Carrick.

There have been mixed feelings among fans and pundits after both Eustace's sacking and Rooney's appointment. However, Cheltenham Town defender and former Blue, Curtis Davies, who played with and under Rooney at Pride Park has shared some positivity regarding the situation.

Speaking on the Keep Right On Podcast, Davies warned Birmingham City's players to be brave under Rooney or risk being dropped [quotes via Birmingham Live]:

"He says 'All I ask of you is stick to the game plan' and the thing is with Wayne, you're more likely to get dropped or taken out the team if you're not brave.

"Say me as a centre half, if I just start booting the ball up the pitch when he's asking us to play, I won't play because then the rest of the structure around it won't work.

"He'll definitely make some things happen with that team and the way you play and it'll be quite exciting and enjoyable football," he continued.

"But there will be times when you're on the edge of your seat thinking 'Just kick it up the pitch!' But I think you need to be patient with it. I think it will get you excited and it'll be a good time for Blues."

Writer's View

Rooney's football is really attacking, which isn't surprising considering he was a forward throughout his entire playing career.

However, seeing the goalkeeper outside the penalty area and midfielders freely rotating around the pitch may take some getting used to for the players and supporters.

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