As the new season approaches, Birmingham City fans will be desperate for a better display from their team than they got in the last campaign. 

The Blues narrowly avoided relegation to League One on the last day of the season at the expense of Barnsley.

But with a Football League transfer embargo hanging over the club, it has been an uneventful summer for the club with left-back Kristian Pedersen the only new signing.

It may, therefore, be the case that they will need their current squad to up their game significantly from last campaign as well as giving younger and fringe players a chance.

One player who falls into this category is centre-back, Wes Harding.

Harding broke into the squad at the end of last season and started the Blues' last nine matches, so is someone that Garry Monk is clearly a fan of.

But will the 21-year-old be a guaranteed starter next season?

We discuss...

Jay Taylor

After Birmingham’s disappointing season last term, I doubt anyone is guaranteed a spot.

Garry Monk will be sure to keep the players fighting for their place. Competition for places is healthy, after all.

Harding is a young defender and at 21-years-old will need to be protected and played at caution.

If he is good enough, he will play, however, regardless of his age.

Definite starter, no, but undoubtedly a regular in the matchday 18, it would be safe to assume.

Chris Gallagher

Not at all.

Maxime Colin will probably shift back to right-back with new signing Kristian Pedersen coming in at left-back.

However, Harding has proven he is more than capable of filling in and will be a valuable squad player over the season.

George Dagless

He could be.

Birmingham haven't managed to sign as many as they'd like for certain reasons and it remains to be seen if they can amend that.

If they can't, the likes of Harding should get a chance.

Gary Hutchinson

If he is, I think there might be an issue at St Andrews.

He's played nine times in the Championship and whilst he might be developing nicely, I'm not convinced he's ready for a full 46 game season.