Birmingham City have begun their recruitment in earnest by taking giant Latvia Under 19 goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics on trial - reports Birmingham Live.

Matrevics, who is currently at West Ham, played for Birmingham U23s as they drew with Crystal Palace on Monday, as well as featuring in last Friday’s victory over Bolton Wanderers.

The six-foot seven keeper has been at West Ham since September 2015 and has represented Lativa at U17 and U19 level, as well as playing regular U18 football for the Hammers. He's also played for their U23 side in the Premier League 2.

Matrevics is described on West Ham's site as a; 'softly-spoken stopper' with 'superb shot-stopping ability and commands his penalty area'.

Birmingham currently have three keepers on their books, current number one David Stockdale, Connal Trueman and Tomas Kuszczak. The latter is out of contract in 2019, whilst Stockdale has two years left to run on his current deal.

22-year old Trueman is out of contract this summer and has failed to break through from the club's U23 side, having spent time out on loan at Solihull Moors in the National League.

The Verdict

He's a good height for a keeper that is for sure, any centre forward through one goal would surely be keeping his efforts low!

Matrevics sounds to have lots going for him, but he'd be going to Birmingham as third-choice, there's little doubt in that. It doesn't bode well for young Trueman unfortunately, but football is a harsh game and he'll find an opportunity further down the football pyramid.