Craig Gardner urges Larsson to stay at Birmingham City

Larsson's regular first-team place was lost to loan signing David Bentley

Birmingham City midfielder Craig Gardner believes the club should do everything in their power to keep hold of winger Sebastian Larsson.

The Sweden international is out of contract this summer, and almost left during the January transfer window.

Larsson, 25, reportedly had talks with Blackburn and Newcastle and was also linked with Manchester City.

"We need players like Seb, because he's a great player, his attitude's totally spot on," Gardner told BBC WM.

"He's one of those people who'll always be there and do well for your club."

You've got to had it to Seb - his enthusiasm for the game is brilliant Gardner on Larsson

Larsson came off the bench to make a major impact in the weekend win at West Ham, delivering the free-kick from which Nikola Zigic scored the game's only goal.

And given the likelihood that his future lies elsewhere at the end of the season, Gardner believes the former Arsenal midfielder has shown admirable commitment.

"You've got to hand it to Seb, he's a brilliant person, his enthusiasm for the game is brilliant," he added.

"Obviously his head's been messed about with all the speculation, but he's come out and he's been brilliant on the training field. All credit to him."