Birmingham City's new Academy Director has been lauded by former Birmingham star Jeff Kenna.
The 35-year-old former captain is training with Birmingham to maintain his fitness levels as he continues the search for a new club.
However, he is impressed with the acquisition of Terry Westley as the head of Birmingham's youth policy.
Kenna witnessed the fruits of Westley's labour at Derby before working with him at first-team level, albeit briefly.
Birmingham's relegation has forced Steve Bruce to overhaul all aspects of the club and it is clear that a greater emphasis is going to be placed on youth.
Marcos Painter, Mat Sadler, Matt Birley, Neil Kilkenny and Samuel Oji are all products of the Academy who are expected to feature this season.
Bruce sees Westley as the perfect choice to continue the conveyor belt of talent steaming into the first team squad.
And Kenna is inclined to agree with his former manager after seeing a plethora of talent, such as Tom Huddlestone, break into Derby's first team courtesy of Westley.
"He did a magnificent job at Derby," said Kenna, who made 84 appearances for Birmingham.
"Terry is a very strong character who won't take any messing about and he is very single-minded in what he wants his players to achieve.
"If he doesn't like something then he will say it and is a forceful character who works very well with young players.
"Off the top of my head I can think of (Tom) Huddlestone who has gone on to Tottenham for a lot of money that he produced.
"There is also Lewin Nytanga and Giles Barnes who, if they are sold, will also be worth a lot of money."
Westley also had success at Ipswich, Charlton and Luton before pitching up at Pride Park.
Billy Davies' arrival as manager has coincided with Westley leaving and linking up with Birmingham.
Kenna is adamant that he could be Bruce's most important signing of the summer if he can achieve the same success he enjoyed at Derby.
"He will improve the Academy and one of his talents is that he can spot a player," continued Kenna.
"I am sure he will do the same type of job at St Andrew's and he could save the club a lot of money in the transfer market if he does."
Meanwhile, Painter, Sone Aluko and DJ Campbell were on target for Blues yesterday as they won a behind-closed-doors practice match at Wast Hills against Northampton 3-0.
The game consisted of three 30-minute periods with Bruce utilising his squad to the full.
Pre-season preparations continue with another friendly at Burton Albion on Saturday before the squad depart on Sunday to their Spanish training camp for 12 days.
