Birmingham City may have ended last season’s Championship campaign with an impressive win over now Premier League side Fulham, but that shouldn’t take away from their rather dismal season as a whole.

The glaring issue for the Blues all season was the lack of fire power in the final third, with young striker Che Adams finishing top of the goal scoring charts with nine goals to his name.

To survive, and more importantly progress through the divisions you need an out and out goal scorer to lead your side from the front, and that is why Garry Monk should be looking to League One striker, Tom Eaves.

The 26-year-old netted 17 times for the Gills last season, and despite his sides mid- table finish, impressed hugely throughout the campaign.

Despite never having the net in his time in the Championship, Eaves has featured in the division previously, when playing for Bolton Wanderers, as well as League One and League Two, giving him a range of experience.

Birmingham ended their Championship season in 19th place, just five points away from the relegation zone. Having only scored 38 goals all season, the joint worst record in the league with relegated Burton Albion, the Blues are in dire need of a new man up top.

Eaves, who started his career coming through the Oldham Athletic youth academy, made his full Football League debut in 2010 for the club and had the season of his career last campaign.

If Birmingham took a chance on the striker, and he found his scoring boots for another season, there is no reason why Garry Monk can’t lead his side to at least a top half finish.

Any improvement on last season’s league standings will be welcomed with open arms from the Birmingham faithful, and Tom Eaves, while he may not be a household name, has the ability to provide goals for Monk’s side.