Birmingham City look all set to be playing Championship football again next season, with Pep Clotet's side currently sitting comfortably in 16th place with just nine games left to play as the Blues seek to finish the campaign with a flourish. 

After a slow start to the Spaniard's tenure, results have really begun to pick up in the second half of the season with the Midlands club playing some great football at times.

Many players have come to the fore at St Andrew's over the years, with the likes of Trevor Francis and more recently Jude Bellingham earning the status of being a fan's favourite.

Here, we have drawn up what we believe to be Birmingham City's greatest all time XI....

A true Blues legend, Merrick not only played over 550 times for the Midlands club but also managed the team to their first major trophy back in 1963 as they tasted success in the League Cup. A brilliant shot stopper and handler of the ball, Merrick was also well known for his enigmatic style of goalkeeping.

Something of an old-style full back, Hall was seen as one of the best defenders to have ever worn the shirt at Birmingham, with the fast and tidy right back capable of winning the ball back quickly through the use of well timed interceptions. In total, Hall played over 260 times for the Blues.

The Essex born centre back was one of the best defenders of his time, with his reading of the game and aerial ability being second to none. Playing over 400 games for the Blues, Smith was part of the side which collected a second division title and a League Cup.

An extremely hard working and tenacious defender, Gallagher made the headlines for captaining the club at the age of just 19. More a 'stopper' than a 'sweeper', the defender would prefer to clear his lines as opposed to playing out from the back. He went on to play over 330 games for the Blues.

After progressing through the club's youth ranks, Pendrey went on to appear over 350 times for the Blues, mainly at full back. Strong in the tackle and able to get forward where possible, the left back was a great servant for the Midlands club during the 1970s as they gained promotion from the second division.

A boyhood Blues fans who was comfortable playing out wide or through the centre, Hopkins was a great servant for the club, appearing over 200 times for the St Andrew's outfit. Blessed with good pace and crossing ability, the winger had two spells with the club over the years.

A bit of an outside shout for this team, Hughes played a big role in getting the club promoted during the 2001/2002 season and became something of a fan favourite after notching numerous goals from midfield. He played well over 200 games for the club before departing for Charlton in 2004.

A true model professional, Page appeared in numerous positions for the Blues over the years, with his main preference being in midfield. Comfortable in possession of the ball, the Welshman would go on to play over 390 times for the Midlands club between 1964 and 1981.

Something of a speed merchant during his playing days, Govan was a winger that defenders simply couldn't deal with. A prolific goalscorer during his time with the Midlands club, Govan is credited with introducing 'Keep Right On' as the club's official anthem.

Arguably the most well known player in the entire XI, Francis had it all. Great dribbling ability, blistering pace and eye for goal, he is considered the club's greatest ever player by supporters. He was part of the side which achieved promotion from the second division back in 1972.

The best goalscorer the club has ever seen, Bradford struck 267 goals for the club in over 440 games. He scored goals regularly for the Blues over 14 years and was unsurprisingly a very popular figure.