The new Birmingham City manager has seven men ready for blood in League One

Relegation to League One could prove to be the making of a talented group of youngsters at Birmingham City. The Blues have dropped down to the third tier for the first time in 30 years after a difficult campaign in the Championship.

One of the strengths that Knighthead have clung to throughout the season is the performance of their youth teams. The Under-18s came top, while the Under-21s will contest the end-of-season play-offs after an impressive performance in the Professional Development League. Steve Spooner’s squad includes a number of players who could be useful assets in League One.

We mustn’t forget that on the fringes of the Blues’ first team is a group of youngsters who could also be key to promotion next term. Here are seven players who could thrive in League One…

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Romelle Donovan

Still only 17 years old, Donovan is the great hope of the Blues academy. He joined the first team permanently under Wayne Rooney and made 10 appearances last season, including two starts.

Donovan dropped back to the under-21s in February and has been a shining light in their rise to promotion. He scored 11 times for the second string from a variety of forward positions.

George Hall

Hall is one of the players the Blues could build their team around. After a season ravaged by hamstring injuries, Hall needs to rediscover his confidence and pace this summer.

The camp have a lot of faith in Hall and he has the quality to destroy League One. Given all his injuries over the past 12 months, this could be a good starting point for a 20-year-old with undeniable talent who has yet to prove himself.

Alfie Chang

Chang was unable to play his role last season due to a knee injury suffered in August. Encouraged, the midfielder began working the ball on the turf at the Blues’ training ground.

Twelve months ago, Chang was good enough to occasionally anchor the Blues’ midfield in the Championship. If the scars from his long absence are merely surgical, Chang could be an asset in League One.

Josh Williams

Williams was expected to start in League One after being handed a new three-year contract last summer. The right-back was loaned out to Cheltenham Town but was sent back to the Blues in January after making just eight appearances.

The 21-year-old showed potential in the Championship two years ago but failed to build on it. Williams’ pre-season last year was blighted by injuries, he needs to make a big impression on whoever is in charge this year to get back into the club’s plans.

Brandon Khela

The 19-year-old caught the eye last pre-season with his technique and ability to play in multiple positions. Khela made two senior appearances under John Eustace but Donovan was preferred during Rooney’s tenure.

Khela joined Ross County on loan in January and has played 13 times in the Scottish Premiership. He starred in wins against Hearts and Rangers, but Khela could not escape the pressure of a relegation battle in Scotland. Ross County could still face a play-off game to stay in the Scottish table.

Josh at home

Home has become the Blues’ second-string leader this season despite being one of the youngest members of Spooner’s squad. The midfielder will turn 19 this summer and will fancy his chances of forcing his way into the first team.

He was among the youngsters to impress in pre-season last year and was named by Eustace as one to watch at the start of the campaign. At home he made the matchday squad for the Boxing Day match against Stoke City.

Junior Dixon

The striker has been prolific for the under-21s this season and has to be the most talked about player outside of the first team. Dixon was an unused substitute against Preston in September but hasn’t come close to making a first-team squad since.

The six managers the Blues had last term, permanent and interim, didn’t think Dixon was ready for Championship football. Perhaps the move to League One will help him bridge the gap between development and professional football at the Blues.

Do you think the Blues should give the youngsters a chance next season? Have your say in the comments section HERE