The Birmingham City academy has managed to produce a large amount of top class footballers over the last few years. Jack Butland, Nathan Redmond and Demarai Gray are all among the talented individuals who have made the breakthrough to the Blues 1st team since the boardroom fiasco with Carson Yeung and the clubs relegation in 2011.
Although there have been some encouraging signs of backing from the board, the Blues transfer budget is not getting much bigger, meaning Gary Rowett will still have to rely on bringing in Free transfers to bolster his squad. But like in previous years with Chris Hughton and Lee Clark, the manager could look within the club to strengthen his squad. Here’s a look at some Blues youngsters who could potentially be involved in Gary Rowett’s squad for the first time.
Viv Solomon-Otabor
The skilful young winger signed his first Professional contract with the club ahead of last season. After a slow start to his professional career where injuries hampered the Nigerian attacker, Solomon excelled in Richard Beale’s side and played his part in some match winning displays. His performances for the U21’s not only earned himself a new contract with the club, but his first international call up. He looks set to spend pre season with the Nigerian national squad, this could hamper his chances of breaking into the side straight away but I feel come the end of the season, Viv Solomon will be a well known name around St Andrews.
Wes Harding
Wes Harding is a powerful young Centre Back who signed his first professional deal in the summer, this will keep him at the club until the end of the 2017 season.
Harding is highly thought of at the club and although he may not become a regular in Gary Rowett’s team next season, his encouraging displays for the U21’s last season could suggest that Harding could provide valuable back up for the Centre back spot.
Next season could be a bit too early for Harding to become a Blues regular, however a good start to the season in the U21’s or out on loan and Harding could find himself a regular in the Blues side for years to come.
Wes McDonald
Wes is another academy player to have signed a two year deal with the club and it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s involved in the first team throughout pre season. He’s a goal scoring midfielder who can play anywhere across that attacking midfield trio and has greatly impressed for the U21’s. After missing a large part of last season due to a Knee Ligament injury, the club showed huge faith in the youngster by still offering him that two year deal. He’s set for a very bright future and like Solomon,
I could imagine him being let loose on the Championship defences by the end of the
season.
These are just three of our promising youngsters at the club. Comment below anyone else you feel could make the breakthrough into Gary Rowett’s first team.
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