Blues' Shroot again available

The 21-year-old was allowed to go to Walsall for a month in March, but he did not make a start for the Saddlers - instead making five appearances from the bench.

But it was more valuable learning for the former non-league star, who has only been a professional footballer since joining Blues from Harrow Borough in January.

With two years left on his deal, he will looking to catch the manager's eye in 2009/10 - be it at St Andrews or from afar.

McLeish is happy for him to do that.

He said: "Robin needs to go out somewhere on loan next season to get league experience. We took him in from non-league football so he's unproven in league football, but he's a good footballer.

"I'd like to see him getting regular football and we will circulate his details to clubs with a view to him going out on a six-month loan, preferably Championship or League One, or maybe Scotland.

"He has shown signs of the type of player that he is. We know that he has two good feet, he's got a good touch and he's a good finisher.

"He needs to improve his speed and strength and that's why a season out on loan would be great. It would be good for us to see how he develops.

"We'll have a reserve league as well next season and we wouldn't rule out Robin playing in that, but I think he really needs first team experience."

McLeish has began to clear the decks for the upcoming campaign back in the Premier League and has already told midfielder Medhi Nafti he can leave when his contract expires on June 30.

Loan players Kemy Agustien, Carlos Costly and Scott Sinclair all return to their parent clubs.