Birmingham City’s Carling Cup success is being tipped to boost the West Midlands’ economy as European football is set to make a return to the region.

The victory over Arsenal at Wembley – and impending entry into the UEFA Europa League competition – has put the club into the international spotlight, and is a step closer to making the club one of the country’s elite.

It is often said that Manchester benefits on an international scale from association with major football clubs and inward investment chiefs are predicting a wider impact on the West Midlands economy with the city raising its profile across the globe.

Meanwhile, leisure and hospitality firms around Blues’ St Andrew’s ground are expecting to profit as the ground hosts European nights.

Wouter Schuitemaker, investment director for inward investment body Business Birmingham, said: “Birmingham City’s success on Sunday is a fantastic win for the city, not just in sporting terms, but also as part of its wider global profile – the final was shown in over 130 countries.

“As a city, Birmingham needs to continue to raise its international visibility to attract visitors and drive inward investment.

“Sporting teams often have high levels of cut-through with business audiences, and the positive reputation of a city abroad in this demographic gives a halo effect which, long term, can support economic growth.”

Birmingham City snatched a dramatic late winner in the Carling Cup Final against Arsenal last weekend, to win the game 2-1.

Deloitte’s 2010 Annual Review of Football Finance shows the club stands to boost its income by competing on a European stage.

The four top-earning clubs in the Premier League – Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool – all competed in the Champions League, the premier European competition.