Six weeks, no games, one training session, debut

German defender Kai Wagner believes his dedicated fitness regime allowed him to step straight into the Birmingham City starting line-up just two days after signing for the Championship club.

The 28-year-old played 71 minutes of the 3-2 win over leaders Coventry on Sunday following his arrival from MLS side Philadelphia Union.

"I felt good. Six weeks, no games, one training session, a lot of hard work in the off season, but I'm really happy," he told BBC Radio WM.

"I always try to keep my body as good as possible. I'm a big believer if you maintain your body you will get the best out of yourself.

"This off season was probably a little bit more because the (transfer) talk started early …. so I did everything possible to be as ready as I can and did all the hard work at home."

He added: "To get the trust from the coach and to get the trust from the players felt big."

Earning the trust paid instant rewards, with Wagner providing an assist for Marvin Ducksch's opener after just six minutes.

"That's how you always think about your debut when you come in," he said.

"I was joking with Marvin before the game, 'if you're in the right position, I'll give you the ball'.

"He was in the right position, I gave him a bad ball in my eyes, but he had a great finish so I'm really happy for him and for myself, too."