Brian Eastwick applauds Blues for Jordon Mutch
BRIAN Eastick has applauded Blues for bringing Jordon Mutch through and making him the club's second youngest player ever.
He reckons that the way Terry Westley is going about things for the Academy is promising for Blues future.
But Eastick stresses that young players must be given a chance if they are to blossom, and benefit the national team in the long run.
"I was genuinely delighted to see Jordon make his debut," said the England under-19 coach, who last night also assisted Stuart Pearce with the under-21s.
"I wouldn't be at all surprised if he goes on to become a first team player for Birmingham.
"Jordon is very good technically, his game understanding is good, he's had a little bit of a growth spurt and I think there's more to come from him physically.
"I have to say that Terry Westley made a sound investment in him. He knew Jordon at Derby County and brought him to Birmingham, which was very shrewd, and has developed him very well.
"Terry's doing a good job at Birmingham with Jordon and one or two others there and I'm sure they are pleased with him."
Eastick, who was brought in by Trevor Francis to rekindle the youth programme and stayed seven years, adds: "For a lot of young players it's great to get an opportunity but they then need to stay in.
"Their confidence and self-assurance really grows if they get a run of games.
"Andrew Johnson comes to mind. Under Trevor, he was in and around the team. I don't think AJ started more than 10 consecutive games, if that. He would be in, then on the bench.
"When Trevor took him to Palace for £750,000, he had no option but to leave him in the team to justify the signing. AJ really grew over time and it was a major part in his development."
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