Opinion: Blues are moving forward

Many Bluenoses will consider the January transfer window to be a massive disappointment, whereby several fringe players have been shown the exit door with no new players heading in the other direction.

Whist I can understand many fans frustrations at the lack of transfer activity, I think one thing that Blues fans need to be grateful for is the fact that we have not any lost key players that are crucial in our quest for survival.

Fellow relegation candidates such as Sunderland and Bolton Wanderers have both lost arguably their best goal scorers, with Lewis Grabban and Gary Madine both finding new clubs during the last few hectic days of the transfer window.

One positive is that key performers within the squad have been given extended contracts, with Blues managing to convince players such as Maikel Kieftenbeld and Jonathan Grounds to stay at St Andrews for the foreseeable future.

Over the past couple of weeks, we have really started to see the squad evolve as a team with players playing consistently in positions and formations being nailed down, which has ultimately resulted in some fluid football at times.

Whilst Sunderland were absolutely appalling, nothing should be taken away from the players that faced them that cold Monday night. Every single player in blue put in a brilliant shift and they certainly reaped the rewards that they deserved for their sheer hunger and determination in the game.

One thing I have started to notice is that Cheick N`Doye is certainly improving as a Birmingham City player and I personally believe that he is finally starting to adapt to the English game. His movement across the pitch appears to be far more economic in recent times, with his fitness seemingly improving with every outing, a notion that has been recognised by Steve Cotterill.

Another player that has been outstanding recently is Jacques Maghoma, a player who has arguably been our most creative player going forward, an attribute that was exemplified in his performance against Sunderland. It is absolutely crucial that Blues extend his contract as soon as possible, with it due to expire this coming summer and it would be a disaster to let him walk away from the club for free.

With the current squad that Blues have at the moment, it is my firm belief that we can continue to climb up the table and reach relative safety. The next two league fixtures against Sheffield Wednesday and the in-form Aston Villa are crucial, however there is nothing to suggest at the moment that the Blues will be unable to beat these teams.

Hopefully in the next transfer window, Blues will be able to find a good balance between Harry Redknapps summer frenzy and Cotterills winter void, with Blues only looking to bring in a reasonable amount of quality players that will improve the squad instead of disrupting it.