Craig Gardner can be Blues’ Jonjo Shelvey

Last week Birmingham City announced the signing of West Bromwich Albion midfielder Craig Gardner on loan until the end of the season with the deal then turning into a permanent one and it was certainly one that got Blues fans talking.

The return of the League Cup winner was one that was met with plenty of joy amongst the Blues fans who have had little to cheer about since the shock departure of former manager Gary Rowett but can Gardner be more than just a fan favourite.

On Wednesday evening, Blues were knocked out of the FA Cup in a third round replay against Newcastle United and one man certainly caught the eye with another captivating performance for the Magpies against Gianfranco Zola’s men.

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is arguably the best passer of a ball in the Championship and in both games that he has played against Blues at St.James’ Park this season, he has played us off the park with some of the stuff that he has produced.

When Gardner came on last weekend against Nottingham Forest in the 0-0 draw it was quite clear to see that he had that extra bit of class in the midfield that Blues have been missing this season and even though he might be missing that yard of pace, he just makes up for it with the quality of his passing vision from the centre of the park.

Blues have plenty of central midfielders who have fantastic work rates, most notably David Davis and Maikel Kieftenbeld, but they have lacked that final ball this season and if Gardner can be our Shelvey then I think we will start to climb up the table again.

In the defeat to Newcastle on Wednesday Shelvey pulled all the strings and he was involved in all three of their goals which just goes to show how much they rely on him.

Should Gardner start to pull the strings in the midfield for Blues then Zola won’t have to wait much longer for his first win and with the addition of Middlesbrough full back Emilio Nsue, he certainly is looking to turn things round sooner rather than later.

Blues fans, do you agree that Craig Gardner can be Blues’ very own version of Jonjo Shelvey? Let us know in the comment section down below!