A difficult season can often provide a very good platform for a goalkeeper to impress, having to face more shots on target and command their area more regularly than other players of the same position in the league.

Etheridge's experience and presence between the sticks could be crucial next term, if the Blues do not bring someone else in to be first choice.

The Verdict

The Blues will probably be on the look-out for another keeper to come in and add competition for places, especially if Zach Jeacock is sent back out on loan this upcoming season.

Birmingham utilised the loan market very well last season, and will do so again in attempting to strengthen their squad for 2022/23, enough to launch a credible battle against relegation.

Sarkic, Lyle Taylor, Dion Sanderson, Onel Hernandez, Tahith Chong and Teden Mengi all made a positive impact in temporary spells at St Andrew's last season, and it will be important for the Blues to replicate that success this summer, or they will be ill-prepared to stay up in the second tier.