Placheta's positive outlook, having won the second tier title with Norwich in 2020/21, could be vital in turning Eustace's men's attention away from any outside expectations ahead of 2022/23 kicking off at the end of this month.

The Blues have seemed to be on an inevitable slide to League One for a few years now and it will be interesting to see how Eustace can change the narrative in the coming weeks.

The Verdict

There are a lot of areas that need addressing in Birmingham's squad at the moment, and they did utilise the loan market to their advantage last season, so Placheta is likely to see regular first team opportunities.

With two years remaining on his contract the 24-year-old will be hoping to impress his parent club, with a decision likely to be made if his future lies at Carrow Road or not, when he will return to the club with one year left next summer.

With the promoted clubs expected to be stronger than they were last season and no points deductions in play as yet, it looks like a tall order for the Blues to survive, but they have escaped plenty of times before.