Birmingham City boss Garry Monk faces an uphill task to try and steer the Blues clear of relegation from the Sky Bet Championship having recently replaced the hapless Steve Cotterill.

Monk has vast experience when it comes to managing in the second tier of English football but never before has he faced a challenge at the foot of the table in the Championship.

The Blues recently bolstered their survival hopes with a 3-0 thrashing of Hull City prior to the international break, however, it will take a few more results of that nature to completely secure safety.

It is unthinkable to imagine a club the size of Birmingham could be plying their trade in League One next season and should Monk oversee safety his job will be to ensure the club are never in this situation ever again.

FLW writer Lee Clarke looks at three players who Monk could try and sign on free transfers during the summer transfer window...

The Swansea City youngster is set to be extremely sought-after during the summer and ex-Swans manager Monk could well be interested in the in-form striker.

McBurnie has netted six goals in nine appearances during his current loan spell at Barnsley and his goals could ensure that Birmingham progress up the Championship next season - provided, of course, relegation is avoided this time around.

The veteran stopper was in mightily impressive form for Garry Monk at Leeds United last season and there is every chance that the Blues boss might tempt the custodian into one more season.

Green has had a solid career playing in the Premier League, Championship and on the international stage and if nothing else he will keep current number one, David Stockdale, on his toes.

Republic of Ireland international Ward will see his deal expire at Burnley during the summer and he would represent a quality free transfer for most clubs in the Championship.

Ward has played 20 times for the Clarets this season and at 32-years-old he has still has a couple more years left in him just yet.

Birmingham City fans, would you welcome these players to St. Andrew's in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!!!