Barnsley v Birmingham City: Hill considers start for Cotterill

The Welsh international joined the Tykes after being released by Swansea City but stayed on the bench for the weekend home victory over Portsmouth.

He has not played first-team football since last season and Hill is wary of throwing the 24-year-old straight in at the deep end.

“We can’t rush him, we have got to be patient and make sure that he plays at the right time,” said Hill.

“When he’s fully fit, he will bring a lot to the table. He’s educated, a good technician, and he’s got the experience that we are looking for to guide the younger players.”

Hill is confident Cotterill will shrug off the disappointment of dropping out of the Premier League and re-ignite his career at Oakwell.

“What goes wrong at one club can go so right at another club. It’s the same for managers,” said Hill.

“I’ve been an experienced player where you fit at one club but you go to another and you don’t. Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason why it doesn’t work.

“Sometimes it’s tactical, sometimes it’s where you live, or family implications.

“One of the biggest things is that you are happy in your work. If you’re happy in work, you will work to best of your ability.”

Tonight’s game was originally postponed 10 days ago and the Blues will be seeking a victory to close the gap on the top two.

Last six games: Barnsley WLWLLW, Birmingham WWDWDD.

Last time: Barnsley 1 Birmingham 1; March 10, 2009; Championship.

Referee: C Boyeson (East Yorkshire).