In what has been a turbulent season so far for Birmingham City, the club still seem to be finding their feet under Gianfranco Zola and the focus for some has turned to next season and what this side could potentially achieve.

Since Gianfranco Zola has replaced Gary Rowett, Birmingham City have steadily fallen down the table as the Italian attempts to stamp his authority on his team and implement a change in the playing style of the side.

Birmingham's victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers was crucial for Gianfranco Zola as some of the pressure that had already begun to build had been quelled.

The win saw Birmingham City move up to 14th in the Championship but they slipped back to 17th after losing to Leeds last Friday.

Nonetheless, any fears of relegation are unlikely as Birmingham have a nine point cushion above the relegation zone.

As Zola's side sit in the heart of mid-table, preparation has already begun for next season and questions have been raised how the Italian head coach will change the system and personnel that had developed under Gary Rowett.

However, Gianfranco Zola may look at some Birmingham City players who have had limited opportunities and find themselves on the fringes of Birmingham City's squad and see if they could play a role in the remainder of the season.

FLW writer Elliott Wheat-Bowen looks at two Birmingham City players who Gianfranco Zola is missing a trick not utilising.

Krystian Bielik

When Krystian Bielik made the loan move from Arsenal to Birmingham City on deadline day, it was seen as a major coup for the Championship side.

The highly rated 19-year-old defender - who is capable of playing both as a centre-half and also a central defensive midfielder - would have hoped the move would lead to regular first team football.

However, the former Polish Under 17 international has only managed to make two appearances in the Championship for Birmingham City so far since making the move.

Bielik made his senior debut for Birmingham City in the defeat to Preston North-End, however, he had a much-improved performance when he came on as a substitute in Birmingham's vital 2-1 victory over Wolves.

Krystian Bielik's composed performance for Birmingham will have given Gianfranco Zola food for thought, although he was dropped for the Leeds clash.

Corey O'Keeffe

After breaking through Birmingham's academy, Corey O'Keeffe has emerged as one of Birmingham City's brightest young talents.

Having played for Cadbury Athletic at youth level, O'Keeffe was following in the footsteps of Daniel Sturridge and Demarai Gray, both of whom are household names in the Premier League.

The versatile midfielder's astronomic rise through Birmingham's academy was as a box to box central midfielder, however, his senior debut for Birmingham City against Newcastle United saw O'Keeffe play on the right side of midfield when he came off the bench.

Since then, O'Keeffe has not featured again for Birmingham City, although he has been on the bench for four other Championship matches.

Although O'Keeffe has been used sparingly this season and remains on the fringes of the squad as one of the least experienced members, Gianfranco Zola may be missing a trick not utilising this extremely talented young midfielder.