ALBION have explained the reasons for granting Chris Wood an extension to his loan spell with Blues.

The New Zealander will now remain at St Andrew’s until the beginning of January after having his youth loan extended.

A youth loan means he can still be brought back when necessary to play in reserve games for Albion or train with Roy Hodgson’s squad.

The Baggies have also got the option of recalling him at any time.

But Michael Appleton, Albion’s No.2, believes Wood’s spell across the city has been successful for a variety of reasons, not least in helping to shape the striker’s personality.

“We weigh up all the loanees’ situations on a month-to-month basis but at the moment we’re reasonably okay in the forwards’ positions,” said Appy.

“We’ve got Peter (Odemwingie) and Shane (Long) in there, we’ve got Simon Cox, we’ve got Marco Fortuné and Somen Tchoyi, so we’ve got five frontmen as it is.

“Chris is coming on and doing well for Birmingham.

“I’m not sure about his first finish on Sunday, playing a one-two off his right foot on to his left foot. I think everyone missed it. I’m sure everyone thought it got a deflection off their defender.

“I think he was embarrassed himself when he scored the first one but his second goal was a very good finish and it will do his confidence the world of good.