Academy manager Terry Westley has explained the reasons why Blues opted not to allow young defender Krystian Pearce to stay on loan at Notts County until the end of the season.

The England U19 international defender had produced some impressive performances for the League Two club and Magpies boss Ian McParland was keen to keep him.

But Blues turned down County's request to extend the loan and the 18-year-old is now back at Wast Hills and training with the first team.

Westley revealed that the 18-year-old may go out on loan again this season, but probably to a higher-ranked side that Notts County.

But, in the meantime, Blues boss Alex McLeish wanted the opportunity to see him at first hand, particularly as currently he has so few options in central defence.

"Krystian went to Notts County just before Alex came in so the manager and his staff haven't seen him play," explained Westley.

"He has done well at County but this was a chance to bring him back and let the manager assess him to see what he's got.

"We're a little bit short on centre halves with Radhi Jaidi going to the African Cup of Nations.

"If there was one injury there will be an opening here maybe for Krystian to make his debut.

"When Radhi comes back and if it doesn't look like he's going to make an appearance this season, we will look to re-loan him out, possibly to a League One or Championship club so he can take that next step up the ladder.

"Although we do have to keep bearing in mind that he's still only an apprentice."

Krystian Pearce will be part of the Blues U18 side that take on Plymouth Argyle at Home Park on Monday evening in the FA Youth Cup fifth round.