The Verdict

When you consider that Ruddy has played 163 games in the Championship, it will not take him long to readjust to life in this division.

During these aforementioned fixtures, the keeper has managed to claim a respectable total of 58 clean-sheets.

Ruddy's arrival may force Etheridge to step up his performance levels next season which in turn could have a positive impact on Birmingham's fortunes.

Having recently opted to draft in John Eustace as Lee Bowyer's replacement, the Blues will be determined to push forward as a club under the guidance of their new head coach.

If Birmingham are able to back up their move for Ruddy by signing some more fresh faces between now and end of the transfer window, they will boost their chances of achieving a relative amount of success in the second-tier later this year.