Pep Clotet feels that he has a 'duty' as Birmingham City boss to help promote youngsters from the academy through to the first-team.

Blues have a lot of talent coming through the ranks, with 16-year-old Jude Bellingham seen as a potential star in the making. He shone in the win over Middlesbrough last time out that came courtesy of Odin Bailey's late goal - another local lad.

And, speaking to the official site, Clotet made it clear that he is going to continue to promote from within and he also outlined why it's something they have to do.

"I think we do have this talent here. Not only do I have a chance to use it, but it is my duty for them (the players) and the Football Club.

"It's massively important for us because in football - the business side - it is getting very difficult to recruit because there's a lot of competition, it's never easy. It's a massive piece of business as you have a new player, of your own, with the talent. And it takes care of not only what you see them do in a game, but also of the medium-term plan, at any football club really."

The Spaniard has enjoyed a decent start to his time in charge of Blues, with the side in the top half ahead of a weekend game against Leeds United at Elland Road.

The verdict

This is a very good insight from Clotet on the importance of academy players and he is backing up those words with his actions as he regularly plays Bellingham and Bailey was involved last time.

The reality is that financial restrictions means that Blues, along with several other Championship sides, will have to rely on these players coming through.

That hasn't been a problem in the past, with Jack Butland, Nathan Redmond and Demarai Gray three big names to come through at St. Andrew's and they have a lot now who will hope to emulate them.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.

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