Garry Monk is currently embarking on his first pre-season with Birmingham City as he starts his first full season in Charge at St. Andrews.

Monk steered the Blues away from almost certain relegation to finish 19th, just five points away from dropping down into League One.

Monk will have the summer to revitalise and rebuild a squad that has underachieved significantly over the last few seasons.

Not even Harry Redknapp could turn Birmingham from relegation candidates into promotion contenders. 

Now Monk is enshrined with the task to push the Blues forward after successfully retaining Championship status for another season.

It remains to be seen if the players who finished last season will retain their spots in the starting XI ahead of Birmingham’s season opener against Norwich City.

After a poor season a good start is vital and that is what Monk and his side will be determined to achieve come August 4.

Here are four players who should be definite starters for Garry Monk’s side when the season kicks off at St. Andrews in three weeks’ time.

When Jota played for Birmingham, things happened. His quick, fleeting feet allow him to be an outlet for the Blues in cagey encounters.

He unlocks defences and is able to pick out a pass and maraud into space to receive the ball.

The creative player Garry Monk needs in his side. Expect Jota to be an integral part at St. Andrews next season.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a decent season for Birmingham last season scoring nine goals. 

Blues fans should expect him to improve on that form and with the striking position there for the taking Adams is the best fit to fill that space.

Monk should set his sights on making Adams his main striking option next season and that should reflect in starting on the opening weekend.

The dynamic midfielder is some who who will give balance to Monk’s side. 

The 28-year-old is good at winning the ball back in the middle of the pitch.

Couple that with his high concentration, Kieftenbeld will be an asset to a side who at times will need to keep hold of the ball.

Short sharp passing is a key asset to the Dutchman’s game. This will be able to give Birmingham a foothold in the game and pass their way out of trouble.

It would go with Monk’s footballing philosophy - keeping the ball and moving forward.

Having played 2910 minutes over 38 games last season, Kieftenbeld should be a certain started come August 4. 

The 6ft 3in defender is a towering presence at the head of the Birmingham defence. 

Having made 41 appearances last season, the 26-year-old was almost an ever presence for City in what was a disappointing season.

Dean, like Birmingham fans will be hoping for different his time round.

The defender likes to bring the ball out from defence and start City attacks he had an average pass success rate of 73.7 per cent last season, averaging almost 42 passes per game. 

Like Kieftenbeld, Dean fits into the player mould manager Garry Monk is fond of.

A certain starter when Norwich come to town.