10 Former Players Birmingham City Could Do With Now

2. Michael Carrick

Not many will probably remember - indeed, the majority of Birmingham City supporters would have to strain the memory - the loan stint of a youthful Michael Carrick at St. Andrews' nearly 15 years ago. At just 19 years of age, the future England international was just a fringe player at West Ham and was sent on loan to Birmingham City in February 2000. The time spent at the club was basically a pointless non-event - the Geordie midfielder made two appearances for the Midlands-based outfit before returning to London. Since then, however, his career began to escalate to wild heights, tying up big-money moves to both Spurs and Manchester United, before representing his country in international tournaments. He has been a permanent fixture in the Red Devils' side for the last eight years, and his range of pinpoint passing, impeccable vision and extraordinary reading of the game have made him a valuable asset to the club. It goes without saying that Birmingham supporters could only dream of having a playing of such an ilk donning the blue jersey this season.