Birmingham City youngster Charlie Lakin has joined Stevenage on a season-long loan, although Blues do have the option to recall the midfielder in January.

The 20-year-old is very highly-rated at St. Andrew's and broke through into the side last season and ended up featuring in ten league games under Garry Monk.

However, his only minutes under Pep Clotet this campaign have come in the League Cup, with Laking playing the full 90 as Blues were comprehensively beaten by Portsmouth earlier this month. He has failed to make the squad for the Championship fixtures.

Therefore, the Spaniard was happy to loan the player out and the club's official site confirmed the deal this afternoon, whilst stressing the recall clause.

He will be a welcome addition to the League Two side who have endured a very tough start to the season, picking up just a point from their first four games and they are yet to score a goal.

Lakin is expected to be involved as Dino Maamria's side travel to take on Mansfield this weekend.

The Verdict

This seems like a very good move for all parties and Blues are right to insist on the recall clause.

Firstly, Lakin needs to be playing football and it's quite clear that he won't get the game time he needs at St. Andrew's in the coming months.

So, playing competitively in League Two is ideal and it's now down to the midfielder to impress enough to force Blues to bring him back in the New Year.

Clotet and the coaching team will be monitoring his progress and they will hope the youngster improves whilst with Stevenage as he has the ability to have a future with Blues in the years to come.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.