The C.A.R.D.I.F.F of Birmingham City

CLUTTER – Gary Rowett may have a few players to shift in the summer. Mark Duffy, Wes Thomas, Denny Johnston and Lee Novak have all been out on loan and will be the subjects of interest. Neal Eardley continues to be hampered by injuries while Will Buckley and Jon Toral will return to their parent clubs.

ABIDING – Blues currently have five loan players in the squad. Of the five, Jon Toral and Will Buckley will return to their parent clubs. James Vaughan has already signed a permanent deal and Ryan Shotton and Kyle Lafferty are being considered for permanent moves.

ROWETT – Forget the rumours and speculation surrounding his future. Gary Rowett has been talking about the future. This week, he spoke of his ambition to lead Blues to the Premiership and has even started planning his summer recruitment. He certainly isn`t giving off the aura of a man looking for the exit door.

DEVELOPMENT – A number of young players have been in and around the squad this season. Viv Solomon-Otabor has been a virtual ever present in the match day squad, Reece Brown has been tearing up trees in the reserves and Charlee Adams, Koby Arthur, Alex Jones, Ronan Hale, Nicolai Brock-Madsen, Connal Trueman and Emmanuel Mbende have been spoken of as future first team players. Their development in the next six to twelve months is key and could make or break their career.

INTENSITY – Blues` struggle in front of goal coincided with the sale of Demarai Gray to Leicester City. While the winger, who is now a Premier League winner, may not have contributed lots of goals, he was Blues` main source of pace which was the key element of a successful counter attacking system. Gary Rowett will be working hard to replace that attribute in the summer and to give his side their intensity back.

FOX – Blues have been linked with Charlton left back Morgan Fox. As Gary Rowett looks to strengthen the defensive ranks, Fox, a popular figure with Addicks` fans, could be in line for a summer switch.

FABBRINI – Diego Fabbrini showed glimpses of his best during the recent draw with Middlesbrough. The Italian has played second fiddle to Jon Toral since his permanent move from Watford in January but the playmaker will play a key part for Blues next season.