WES Thomas will use his spell with City as a shop window as he prepares for life after Birmingham.

The 29-year-old striker made an immediate impression at the start of his 93-day loan with a major part in the dramatic winner against Fleetwood.

It was his shot in stoppage time that was tipped onto the bar before fellow substitute Steve Davies scrambled home the rebound.

Thomas is hoping that is the start of something good as he looks to revive his career once again. The hit-man has been a bit-part player under Gary Rowett at St Andrew's and knows his future lies elsewhere.

He said: "I'm looking at getting games and scoring goals and then we'll go from there. My contract is up at the end of the season and I've not been playing much, so I need to be out there. It's natural for any player if you're not involved.

"I pretty much know that I'm not going to be at Birmingham come the end of the summer, so I've got to be looking for somewhere else. This is a good opportunity for me to show people what I can do."

Thomas was rushed into his debut after signing only 24 hours earlier. He had not even met his new team-mates when he was named in the squad.

He is a lot better prepared for this afternoon's tough trip to leaders Burton and the task of helping City chase down the top six.

Thomas feels his experience – this is his ninth club – can play a part in the play-off push.

He said: "I've played for a few clubs in this division, and had a few promotions as well, so I know this level. I think I can do quite well here.

"I've not played many games recently, so it's nice to be back on that pitch again. I've had a few days now to get settled in at the club and it's been good so far.

"Everybody is working hard to get in the play-offs and hopefully we can get there and stay there.

"Last week was the first time I'd played at Bradford and I'm looking forward to a few more games there. You always want to play in front of big crowds, so that's an added bonus.

"If you're coming to a team that are pushing for the play-offs and want promotion, then expectations are going to be high. That's part and parcel of it."

With the Boxing Day home clash washed out, City will be meeting Burton for the first time this season. The rearranged return at Valley Parade is on March 8.

But Thomas knows exactly what they can expect after facing the Brewers in September at the start of a loan spell with Swindon.

He scored twice in the first four games with the Robins but then picked up a hamstring injury which limited him to only two more outings.

Thomas said: "Burton beat us 1-0 and looked quite a solid team. They are organised and very hard to break down.

"But if you're going to be in the play-offs, you need to be able to beat teams at the top end and that's what we'll try to do."