Albion loan Chris Wood to Blues

Albion striker Chris Wood today crossed the West Midlands to join Birmingham on loan - and could play in Blues' Championship season opener at Derby County.

The 19-year-old has signed on a month's youth loan and could also play in Europe for the first time, with Blues drawn against Portuguese outfit Nacional in the Europa League play-offs today.

Wood has been drafted in to ease a striker shortage ahead of the trip to Pride Park with Blues boss Chris Hughton confirming Cameron Jerome, Nikola Zigic and Marlon King are all out injured.

The Auckland-born ace starred on loan at Brighton in League One last season after a loan spell at Barnsley and, coupled with his appearances for the Baggies, has made 27 appearances in the Championship.

And Albion sporting director Dan Ashworth has revealed there were a number of club slooking to land the New Zealand international.

Ashworth said: "There's been a lot of interest in Chris from clubs wishing to take him on loan this summer. But we wanted to keep him here for pre-season and preferably a little longer.

"After his successful loan spell at Brighton, this has been Roy's first chance to work with Chris and take a proper look at him.

"He's done really well in pre-season but the opportunity to play both league and potentially European matches with Birmingham, who are right on our doorstep, was perfect for all parties.

"Chris Hughton is also a really good coach, so he will be in safe hands."