Birmingham City head to West Brom this evening looking to end a five-game winless run.

The most concerning aspect of that blip for Lee Bowyer will be the fact his team have conceded 12 goals in that period. Clearly, it shows there are issues with the defence and fans are desperately hoping the boss makes changes for the short trip to The Hawthorns.

However, that poor defensive record may be overshadowing Blues' biggest problem - they aren't scoring enough goals.

A return of ten goals in 11 league games is below average, but not a massive concern. Yet, when you realise they scored half of those in a 5-0 win at Luton, meaning they've managed five goals in ten games if you exclude the trip to Kenilworth Road, it's a real worry.

Bowyer will rightly mention that his team are missing chances, so that suggests the goals could come. But, the reality is that Blues lack the clinical finisher they need.

The signing of Troy Deeney attracted excitement because of his love for the club and he is proven at this level, but he didn't solve their problems because he's too similar to Lukas Jutkiewicz. It's about getting the right balance.

So, another type of striker is needed to be an upgrade on Scott Hogan, and that man could be Kevin Nisbet.

It's no secret Blues were desperate to land the Hibs attacker in the January window, with the Scotland international even handing in a transfer request to force the move through. Unfortunately though, a fee couldn't be agreed and he remained at Easter Road.

Sealing a deal for the 24-year-old may be harder now, but the fact he wanted the Blues move earlier this year is encouraging.

And, in terms of his qualities, he could complement either Deeney or Jutkiewicz perfectly.

Nisbet is about finding space in the box, acting on his instinct and, crucially, finishing well when presented with opportunities.

He doesn't have the physique to do the target man role, but that's fine. Bowyer needs a number nine that can be a constant threat, occupy the right areas and take the chances the team are creating.

The board may be reluctant to spend the few million that will be required to do the deal, but Nisbet is exactly what Birmingham City need if they are to score the goals required to push on.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.