Blues boss Paul Hurst has stressed the importance of experienced senior players such as Luke Chambers and Jonas Knudsen, who have both started every match this season.
Hurst has fielded 25 players in the Championship, the most in the division along with Saturday's opponents Swansea - plus a 26th, Teddy Bishop, in the Carabao Cup - but Chambers and Knudsen have both been fixtures throughout.
"Their experience [has been important],” he said. "Luke’s obviously the captain as well and a big voice in the dressing room.
"We need that experience. I’ve spoken about change and I think people felt it was needed. I wanted to put my own stamp on the squad and try and change things, but at the same time those new lads need some help and guidance and those two certainly fit into that category along with Skusey and the keepers.”
Hurst says those players have an influence not just on the field but around the training ground, particularly skipper Chambers.
"I’m not sure I’d say the lads conduct themselves any differently from how I would have had my players in the past, not when they’re full-time certainly,” he added.
"But particularly again, in Luke’s case, when new players come through the door, he’s always on the scene and to the point of just showing people where things are, explaining how things work and speaking about the area.
"He’s been here some time now and that’s invaluable. Sometimes it’s nice to get that from staff and we obviously try to help, but when one of your team-mates is doing that as well, I think that always helps bed players in that little bit sooner.”
Hurst says Chambers will be fine for Tuesday’s game against Boro despite requiring treatment for a knock at Birmingham on Saturday.
"I think he almost had his knee fallen on by the opposition player but as far as I’m aware it’s a little bit of a bruise and it’s a bit sore but I think it’ll take more than that to keep him out of the game.”