Midfielder Robbie Savage is no stranger to controversy and knows what it feels like to be caught in the middle.

Bowen has proved himself a fine right-hand man to Wales coach Mark Hughes, but is valued just as much as Steve Bruce's No 2 at St Andrews.

"Mark is a very, very good coach and that's why both parties want him so badly," Savage said.

Savage was speaking after Birmingham earned their first point of the season by drawing 1-1 with Everton on Wednesday night, conceding a last-minute equaliser to their 10-man visitors.

"It won't be up to Mark though, it will be Mark Hughes' decision and Steve Bruce's decision.

"At the end of the day Birmingham City is his employer and when there is a double-header of international matches with Wales, then he'll be away from the club for 10 days.

"It's nothing to do with me but I think Birmingham City is very important to both of them (Bowen and Bruce) and Premiership survival is the utmost - two jobs are difficult to do."