2 Birmingham City dilemmas facing Lee Bowyer during this international break

Championship side Birmingham City have all but secured their second-tier safety despite worries about their league status in recent months.

But other sides including the likes of Reading, Barnsley and Peterborough United have been woeful up until recently and this is why Lee Bowyer’s side look as though they will be competing in the second tier once again next term.

This means the Blues can start planning for the long term with the summer transfer window coming down the tracks – and in fairness to their manager – his recruitment has been pretty much spot on during his tenure so far.

He may want to focus on the short term to ensure he retains his job until then – but their success during the 2022/23 campaign may depend on their planning.

But what specific dilemmas face the second-tier outfit’s boss? What decisions does he need to make during this international break?

We have selected just two issues that will be on his agenda over the next week.

Time to approach Thomas?

The Blues are interested in a move for current free agent Terell Thomas, according to yesterday’s report from TEAMtalk.

The former AFC Wimbledon centre-back is currently unattached following his departure from Crewe Alexandra in the latter stages of January – and is plying his trade with Championship side Reading.

At this point though, he’s only at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on a trial basis and has only appeared at an Under-23’s level, allowing Bowyer’s men to swoop in and offer a deal to the 26-year-old until the end of the season.

Following Andre Wisdom’s departure as he linked up with Sheffield United, Thomas may be their most viable option at this stage with the Blues’ boss even though it doesn’t look as though the former will earn a deal at