AMSTERDAM – Birmingham City debutant Will Packwood suffered a hamstring knock during Tuesday night's rout of Capital One League Cup guests Barnet, but the club says the injury does not appear to be serious.
The 19-year-old defensive handyman (above) was filling in for sidelined captain Stephen Carr at the new position of right back, only to depart the match with a quarter-hour remaining.
"The early impression was that it's not too serious," Birmingham press officer Andy Walker told MLSsoccer.com on Wednesday. "He went off a little nicked, but it was more of a precaution since we were up [on the scoreboard] by so much."
Normally a defensive midfielder or center back, Packwood left the proceedings with his side ahead 3-1 and drew postgame praise from boss Lee Clark.
"I've said all along that if the younger ones are showing up well in training and they get a situation where a senior lad comes out because of injury, let's give them an opportunity," the manager told reporters. “Will did well, but unfortunately he picked up a little niggle and had to come off."
It remains to be seen if Packwood will be fit to continue deputizing for Carr, who is expected to remain on the shelf for Saturday's Championship season opener against Charlton at St. Andrews.
Meanwhile, the Brums are also hoping to have Jonathan Spector fully recovered from a thigh injury in the near future.
"He'll continue to be assessed day-to-day," reported Walker. "But he isn't too far away."
Spector tore a muscle during Birmingham's season-ending draw with Blackpool in the second leg of the promotion playoff semifinals this past May. Though the 2010 World Cup veteran dressed for last week's friendly with Antwerp, the medical staff decided to hold him back from the win over Barnet.
