Birmingham City might have their hands tied behind their backs when it comes to recruitment this January, but they will be boosted by the return of a player they've not seen in action yet this season, according to Birmingham Live.

Financial Fair Play regulations mean they can only sign one player this winter, a loan signing and even then he has to meet certain conditions. After the relative success Monk has brought to the club this season, it is another blow they'll have to deal with.

They will be given a lift by the return of 25-year-old striker Isaac Vassell.

He returned to Under-23 action this weekend, starting the game against Barnsley at the Trillion Trophy Training Centre.

He was on target too, bagging a brace in his first action in 14 months.

The former Luton Town man damaged his cruciate ligament in a game against Aston Villa in October 2017 and hasn't played since.

His return will be a positive for Monk to work with during a season in which they've defied the critics to launch an audacious bid for a play-off spot, despite working with largely the same squad that only just avoided the drop last season.

The Verdict

The Blues fans haven't seen a lot of Vassell and there are so many variables that will determined whether he'll be a decent player to have back. Will he still have that pace in his game? Will he challenge Jutkiewicz and Adams for a starting place?

Even if neither of those turn out to be the case, it'll be important to have a body back around the club who can be called upon if the need arises.