Keep three, change one: who will replace Spector?

The win against Bristol City was soured somewhat by the late sending off of Jonathan Spector who has been a solid performer at right back this season. With Paul Caddis unable to deputise through injury, Gary Rowett must weigh up his options.

JOSH COGLEY

The young academy product is a natural right back and has been named among the substitutes in recent weeks. He`s highly rated by Rowett but wasn`t chosen to play against Nottingham Forest, the last time Spector was out. Playing Cogley means that only one position across the back four changes – the two centre backs and left back remain the same.

RYAN SHOTTON

Ryan Shotton is, technically, a natural right back. But during his loan spell last season, he wasn`t a success until he moved to centre back alongside Michael Morrison. Rowett signed Shotton permanently in the summer as a centre back. Moving him to the right didn`t work at Forest, why risk it again?

DAVID DAVIS

David Davis has been outstanding this season so far whether he`s played in centre midfield or out wide. Last season, he was used sparingly at full back and could be an option to replace Spector. But using him in defence would take his energy away from the middle of the park.

MAIKEL KIEFTENBELD

Dutch midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld is a hardworking, energetic, central midfielder. However, his previous club Groningen did use him in both full back positions when needed. Kieftenbeld could be an option, especially if Robert Tesche returns to the squad.

ELLIOT KEBBIE

The 22 year-old has been offered a trial at Blues. He came through the Athletico Madrid academy as a right back and, if his trial at Blues works out, he would be available as a free agent. A lot of work would have been undertaken to get him signed and fit in time for Saturday`s trip to Brentford, though.

REVERT TO THREE AT THE BACK

Changing the system could be an option. Michael Morrison, Ryan Shotton and Jonathan Grounds (or Paul Robinson) could form three centre backs with Greg Stewart and Jacques Maghoma playing as wing backs. Of course, to change to such an unfamiliar shape, a lot of training ground work would be required.