Birmingham have allowed out-of-favour striker Marcus Bent to go on loan to Championship side Middlesbrough until the end of December.

The 31-year-old becomes new Boro boss Gordon Strachan’s first signing and goes straight onto the squad for his first game in charge, the visit of Plymouth to the Riverside Stadium tomorrow.

Bent has not played at all this season for Blues after falling down the pecking order at St Andrews and now takes in the 12th club of his 14-year professional career, with 107 goals in 498 career appearances so far.

Strachan made his move after losing Jeremie Aliadiere and Caleb Folan to injury.

The manager said: “I am delighted to bring Marcus in. He brings us ability, strength, pace and experience.

“We have a young squad so his experience will be important and he has already made a good impression in training.”

Hammersmith-born Bent believes his new club is a wise out, despite missing out on the chance of Premier League football with Blues.

Bent said: “This is a good step for me. Middlesbrough are a big, established club and everything about the place is geared to going back up.

“The gaffer was a big influence on my decision too. He is very experienced and motivated, so I’m looking forward to playing for him.”