Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish is counting on their senior players to help the club avoid the second season blues.

For McLeish, his more experienced hands will have a key part to play as well.

He said: "These guys have turned up for their work every week, they have to do it again next season.

"Those that do are the big characters in the game. The players who perennially win player-of-the-year trophies, and the consistency trophies, are the guys who do it year in, year out.

"Barry Ferguson, Lee Bowyer, Stevie Carr - they are great examples and should provide great inspiration for some of the younger players who want to do well in the game."