There’s no doubt, Demarai Gray means business.
If anyone thought Gray’s return to Blues after two years in the Gulf was a nice n easy move, they have been silenced.
The 29-year-old winger’s contributions so far this season have been influential, as his quality has been obvious.
The hunger still burns inside Gray, who left Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq for an emotional homecoming in July.
Chris Davies, who coached Gray when at Leicester City, commented: “Speaking to Dimmy and knowing him, there was nothing about easiness coming here.
“It was all for him, there was a real intent to come and make an impact because he could have stayed in Saudi Arabia or gone anywhere really.
“But this is the club he wanted to come to and he wanted to do it to make an impact and I’ve sensed that since he’s come in.
“I’m really pleased with the start he has made and, obviously, just like all of them, it’s a start – it’s about continuing that now.”
Gray’s speed, creativity and poise were all on show as he set up Lyndon Dykes dramatic added-time winner after a devasting counter-attack at Blackburn Rovers.
And in the defeat of Oxford United, Gray showed everyone that he still looks every inch a Premier League calibre player.
Gray, who made his professional debut for Blues aged 17 back in 2013, has brought experience and know-how to help those around him, too.
“I think first and foremost he works so hard,” said Davies. “You can see what he is giving every single game for the team and his quality is high.
“If we can get him the ball quick enough and give him good conditions then he can hurt the opposition whether that’s by going past someone or by chopping in crossing or shooting, he’s got quality.
“He’s got the bit between the teeth. He is giving a lot. He is working hard for the team.
“He’s not a young lad any more. He’s an experienced player and he’s showing those leadership qualities, which is big as well.”
Gray was sold by Blues to Leicester in a deal worth around £3.7 million in the January 2016 window as the club, beset by financial issues, needed to cash in.
The Jamaica international helped the Foxes win the Premier League title in the first of his five years there.
