After keeping Birmingham City in the Championship last season, Garry Monk will hope that his side are not battling relegation again next May. 

The fact they were had nothing to do with Monk and fans will be confident that the club are on the up after years of disappointment.

However, that optimism is countered by the fact that that once again there are financial issues at the club.

That should mean that Monk is not given huge funds this summer but he will still hope to wheel and deal to bring in extra quality to his squad.

Yet, before he does look to bring in new faces, the former Leeds boss would be better getting a good look at some fringe players. With a pre-season under their belt, they could improve the team.

Here we look at three players who should get an opportunity...

Birmingham have been linked with a move for Rob Green because they are keen on shifting Kuszczak and David Stockdale.

Whilst the latter is understandable as he is on a massive salary, the former Manchester United stopper can still do a decent job, particularly if 38-year old Green is the man to replace him.

There's no doubting the former Barnsley man has struggled since arriving in the West Midlands but he was a good player for the Reds.

Instead of shipping him off, Monk could give him a chance to rediscover that form and he could provide good competition to the first two or an option to use a back three if they wanted.

This is a long shot but the striker is expected to return to Blues this summer after a loan spell in Poland.

He hasn't impressed when given limited opportunities at St. Andrew's but it could be different under a new manager.

Monk may as well in pre-season as he has nothing to lose.