IF HE gives opposition defenders the swerve the way he does journalists, Town fans won’t be too concerned about Jermaine Beckford’s vow of silence.

The on-loan Leicester striker rarely gives interviews, and politely declined requests following his Town debut against Watford last Saturday.

Beckford missed out against his parent club at the John Smith’s Stadium on Tuesday, the Foxes understandably including an ineligibility clause in the 93-day deal.

But he’ll be back at Birmingham City today, when Town aim to bounce back from two successive home defeats by chalking up a third away victory on the spin.

And Simon Grayson, who aims to get one over on Brum boss Lee Clark, the man he succeeded in the Town hot seat, is delighted at the prospect.

“Jermaine is a good footballer who has got goals wherever he has been,” said Grayson, who managed the 28-year-old at Leeds.

Grayson’s presence at Town had undoubted pulling power for Beckford, who has taken a salary drop to make a move which runs through to December 29.

The Town chief is quick to point out that the 6ft 2in frontman has scored goals for both Everton (10 in 40 appearances) and Leicester (15 in 49).

But his best statistics were achieved at Elland Road, where he netted 85 times in 152 games and played a key part in the 2010 League I promotion success.

Grayson, who was linked with Beckford even before Jordan Rhodes’ £8m move to Blackburn, firmly believes his new acquisition can recreate his Leeds form.

“Sometimes it’s about analysing a player and working out what he needs from the manager, coaching staff and the other players around him,” said Grayson.

“As a team, we have to give him the right kind of service and as an individual, Jermaine has to do the right things to complement the team.

“You have to manage people in different ways. Certain ones need an arm round them, some need a kick up the backside, and I know Jermaine well.

“I’m delighted he has shown willing to come here and hopefully he will go from strength to strength.