While Birmingham City’s defensive mishaps were largely to blame for the 68 goals they conceded in last season’s Championship campaign, question marks arise over their goalkeeping situation.

With goalkeepers Tomasz Kuszczak and David Stockdale sharing the work load last season for the Blues, with the latter starting the majority of the matches, perhaps it is time for Garry Monk to wave goodbye to the old guard, and turn his attention to the youthful shot stoppers looking for first team football in England’s top flight.

Premier League side Watford have begun their preseason campaign with four goalkeeping options, with last season’s number one Heurelho Gomes and recent signing Ben Foster looking like the likely candidates to start for the Hornets this coming season.

With Austrian Daniel Bachmann seemingly happy to remain as third choice keeper, it leaves Swedish international Pontus Dahlberg in a tough situation.

The 19-year-old signed for Watford in January this year on a five and a half year contract from Swedish first division side IFK Goteborg, but was loaned back to his former club for the remainder of that season.

Despite his age, and never having made an appearance for the Hornets, Dahlberg has already been handed a full international appearance by Swedish manager Janne Andersson.

While Pontus Dahlberg might not be a household name, the aging goalkeepers currently at Monk’s disposal aren’t ones to get excited about.

Signing the Hornets shot stopper on a permanent deal is all but out of the question, but a loan deal makes sense for all parties involved.

It will allow Dahlberg to gain valuable first team experience in not only a more competitive league that previous, but one in the same country as his parent club, while Birmingham acquire a useful, talented, young goalkeeper.

Birmingham need to bolster their squad massively if they are to improve on their 19^th place finish of last season, and the introduction of the Swede could provide that youthful spark that the Blues have been needing.