It has been an uncertain year for Birmingham City, and next year is probably going to be similar, with the club in doubt off the pitch.

On the pitch, things have been good for Garry Monk's side, who were well in with a shot of the play-offs before their points deduction.

Now in the precarious position of bottom half of the Championship, knowing they are all but safe, and not going to challenge for the top half, Monk and Birmingham have a lot of planning to do.

One man who could be important next year is youngster Charlie Lakin, who has featured sparingly this season.

The 19-year-old homegrown midfielder has only made a few appearances in the Championship this term, with many of those minutes off the bench, but with a few sales expected, he could step up to a more senior role.

While he won't walk straight into the eleven every week, Lakin will be hoping he can become a real asset to Monk next term.

The Solihull-born playmaker has featured in the City midfield a number of times, and would be a real success for the academy if he were to play more, after joining the club as a kid.

The left-footed midfielder has impressed the development setup and will be hoping he can challenge for a place next season.

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We may even see him feature this season, with Birmingham able to guarantee their safety in the Championship this Easter weekend, with fixtures against Derby and Rotherham.

This could give Lakin a chance to shine in the first team, with fixtures against Wigan and Reading to end the season - both of which are scrapping for relegation.

The youngster extended his contract earlier this year and will have years ahead of him to prove himself at St Andrew's, but it seems fitting for him to get a chance to shine in the final weeks of the season.

With Birmingham's short-term future uncertain, Charlie Lakin could well be a saviour to Birmingham.