Birmingham City’s season hasn’t exactly gone to plan with the side fighting to avoid relegation despite a big summer spend.

Harry Redknapp was hoping to have the side competing near the top of the table but it became apparent very quickly that they were heading in the wrong direction.

Things got even worse under Steve Cotterill and Garry Monk arrived trying to help the club remain in the second-tier.

And, since the former Leeds boss arrived he has made a positive impression.

Blues have won three of their last five games and are three points ahead of the drop zone, even though they have a lot of work to do to stay up.

Another promising factor is the turnaround in the key player’s performances under Monk.

That has created a bit of optimism around St. Andrew’s about what the future could hold – providing they stay up.

Here we look at three players they need to go all-out to keep…

The former Brighton goalkeeper shocked many when he joined Blues after establishing himself as one of the best keepers outside the top-flight.

And, whilst he didn’t convince in the early parts of this campaign, he is still a very good stopper and may have aspirations of playing for a side that can compete for promotion.

However, Monk will need the 32-year old to stick around.

Before Monk’s arrival there wouldn’t have been many Blues fans open to keeping the Spaniard, who failed to justify his club-record price since moving.

Whilst he still hasn’t hit the amazing levels he displayed at Brentford, the new manager is beginning to get Jota back to his best.

A full pre-season and new players to suit a style that benefits the technically-gifted winger could see him show why he was considered one of the best players in the league. They need to keep him.

Birmingham are believed to have rejected a big-money bid for Adams in the summer which shows how highly he is thought of in the game.

Like most of his teammates he hasn’t had the season many expected since but he has shown glimpses of his talent under Monk before he was sent off against Bolton.

He was missed last night and will be again on Sunday at Wolves as he has real pace, power and also talent.

Monk will want to build the side around the likes of him and Jota next season.