Birmingham City forward Odin Bailey has today left the club to join Gloucester City on a month-long loan, report the club's official website.

It will be the 18-year-old's first move away from the club after a series of non-serious injuries have stunted his recent development with the Blues.

He went away with the first-team squad for pre-season training in Austria in the summer and has been regular in the club's under-18 side, scoring three goals in his six appearances this season.

Garry Monk's senior side will be looking to bounce back after defeat to Derby County last weekend put a stop to what was a remarkable unbeaten run.

The 3-1 loss to Frank Lampard's side was the Blues' first defeat for 11 games, over which time they were able to mount an impressive push for the play-off positions.

They currently sit in 10th position in the Championship table and just three points behind Nottingham Forest, who currently occupy the final play-off spot.

The Verdict

This seems like a sensible move.

Young players can only learn so much from reserve matches and youth team football. Sooner or later they need to be thrown into the fire of a first-team game, even if it is at non-league level.

Bailey isn't going to be featuring for the first-team anytime soon, so elsewhere is best for his development.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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