Koumas joined the Championship side in the summer and has predominantly been used off the bench throughout the season, with six starting berths in 22 appearances.

For the first time since October 21, however, Koumas was in Chris Davies’ lineup against Championship league leaders Coventry City, with a role on the left of the attack.

The 20-year-old had only 24 touches throughout his 65 minutes on the pitch, but his most crucial involvement arrived in the 17th minute with the scores already locked at 1-1.

Making a well-timed run behind the defensive line, Koumas took the ball away from the onrushing goalkeeper and converted from a tight angle to see Birmingham take a 2-1 lead.

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It marked the Welshman’s first goal on loan this season andBirmingham Mailwere complimentary in their assessment of his outing, saying it was “undeniably his best Blues display.”

They rated Koumas’ performance an eight-out-of-10, and noted his “composed finish showed” his quality, having “worked his socks off to give Blues an outlet.”

Coventry scored an equaliser in the second half but Birmingham responded minutes later to seal a 3-2 victory, with Koumas key to the result.

Owen Beck recalled from loan at Derby

Elsewhere, Owen Beck‘s recall from his loan at Derby was officially announced after undergoing surgery on a serious hamstring injury.

The left-back did not make a competitive appearance during his brief spell with the Rams, and he will now complete his rehab at the AXA Training Centre.

The 23-year-old had initially sustained an injury not long after his loan was agreed but after marking his return, he suffered another injury with the U21s.

“Derby County would like to wish Owen every success in his future career,” a statement said.

Kostas Tsimikasmeanwhile, played 31 minutes off the bench for Roma in their 1-0 defeat to Atalanta, Harvey Davies played the full 90 in a 3-0 loss for Crawley Town, and Luca Stephenson was on the losing end of the Dundee derby.