Striker Jake Jervis has been recalled from his loan spell at Portsmouth. The two clubs agreed a one month extension of the original deal last week. But with injuries to Marlon King and Peter Lovenkrands and with Akwasi Asante still out, Nikola Zigic is Blues’ only recognised striker.

Lee Clark has acted swiftly with Blues travelling to Barnsley on boxing day. Jervis, 21, has been out on loan to various clubs since making his first appearance for Blues in the FA Cup at Everton three years ago. He will not get a better chance than this.

Elsewhere, the training ground will be similar to a crèche next week as academy products James Fry and Reece Hales have been handed squad numbers.

To say that Blues’ squad is threadbare would be an understatement. Seven teenagers started the game against Burnley yesterday and showed great spirit to come back from 2-1 down late on. With the January transfer window approaching, it is clear to see which direction Clark is heading.

The financial state of the club means no funds to add players to the team, so the young players at St. Andrews will get more of a chance than ever.