Demarai Gray believes the spirit running through Birmingham City's squad is the most important ingredient in the club's Championship promotion bid, pointing to a culture of healthy competition that he says is free of the toxic edge that can derail dressing rooms under pressure.

A stronger squad, a different mentality

"We've got a lot stronger this year," Gray told BBC Radio WM. "There's a lot of competition that keeps everyone on their toes. But it's healthy competition. It's not toxic. There's none of that bad energy around it."

The winger, who returned to St Andrew's in the summer of 2024 as Chris Davies' side prepared for their return to the second tier, says the depth in the current group is noticeably greater than what he found on his arrival. He has been used mainly as an impact substitute this season, scoring four times from the bench, yet he credits that situation as a sign of strength rather than a source of frustration.

"I said when I joined we needed that type of depth, with like-for-like players in the wide positions and up front," he added. "That's what wins you the games."

Togetherness: a lesson learned at Leicester

Gray is well placed to know what it takes to win a title. He was part of the Leicester City squad that claimed the Premier League championship in 2016, and he draws a direct line between that experience and what he sees at Blues now.

"Togetherness was the key factor when I was at Leicester," he said. "That's what wins you stuff. And we've got the grit you're going to need in the Championship."

It is now 15 years since Birmingham last played top-flight football, and the club has rarely been a genuine promotion contender in the intervening period. The current campaign represents one of the most credible bids for an automatic place in some time, though a 1-0 defeat at Cardiff last Saturday, which the BBC report notes as only Blues' second away loss this season, dropped them back to seventh just when a run to the top of the table was within reach.

Competition on the left flank

A significant subplot to Gray's season has been his competition with summer signing Liam Millar for the starting berth on the left side. Gray is candid about the situation, and notably positive about it.

"The left side is now very strong. Liam's been a good addition. Probably what we lacked last year," he said. "He's in the firing line, then me coming on to try and do what he's doing. But I'm getting in the right positions, chances are coming and I'm always confident."

According to the BBC, Gray has scored eight Championship goals since returning to St Andrew's last July, matching the total he managed across his entire first spell at the club between 2012 and 2016.

Eyes on Lincoln

Blues will be looking to bounce back from the Cardiff reverse when they travel to Sincil Bank on Saturday (kick-off 12:30). The BBC report notes it will be only Birmingham's second visit to Lincoln in 72 years, and the club will head there with confidence given they beat Lincoln three times during last season's League One promotion campaign.

Striker August Priske missed the Cardiff trip and is reportedly a doubt, though the suggestion is he may be fit enough to play some part against Lincoln. His absence at Cardiff saw Argentine forward Luis Vazquez struggle to fill the targetman role, underlining how important Priske has become to Davies' system.

Gray, for his part, remains measured about the overall picture. "We've made a fairly good start," he said. "But there's room for improvement." The tone is level-headed, which, if his Leicester analogy holds, may itself be cause for optimism among Blues supporters.

Frequently asked

How many goals has Demarai Gray scored for Birmingham City this season?
Gray has scored four goals from the bench in the Championship this season, and according to BBC Sport, eight in total since returning to St Andrew's in July 2024.
Where are Birmingham City in the Championship table?
Following their 1-0 defeat at Cardiff, Birmingham dropped to seventh in the Championship. The result came on a weekend when they could have gone top of the table.
Is August Priske fit for Birmingham's match at Lincoln?
Priske missed the Cardiff game through injury and remains a doubt for the trip to Sincil Bank on Saturday, though BBC Sport reports the suggestion is he may be fit enough to play some part in that fixture.