Birmingham City were beaten 3-2 by Cardiff City yesterday afternoon to further enhance the likelihood that they will be relegated from the Championship come the end of the season.

The defeat was the Blues' seventh on the spin the league and new boss Garry Monk has a real task on his hands to ensure that the club doesn't drop into League One.

On paper the Blues should be performing a lot better than their current league position suggests and with lots of Championship experience in the dressing room, Monk will be looking towards those players to pull the club clear of trouble.

Birmingham have nine games left to save their season and perhaps more importantly for the players they have nine games to prove to Monk that they are worth keeping around at the club.

FLW writer Lee Clarke looks at two players in particular who might be fearful of being cut from Monk's plans next season.

The midfielder hasn't been in the squad for Birmingham City since a 2-0 reverse at the hands of fierce rivals Aston Villa back in February, suggesting that he is currently down the pecking order at St Andrew's.

The 27-year-old's form has been sporadic at best this season and the club has much better options available for the middle of the park, meaning Monk might look to offload the player come the end of the current campaign.

The big target man has netted just once this season from his 25 appearances and has largely played second fiddle to Sam Gallagher in attack.

The 28-year-old has never been overly prolific during his career to date and he could look towards a fresh start at a different club ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

Birmingham City fans, do you agree that these two players could leave in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!!