JORDON Mutch has stated that youth should be given its chance – and that under Chris Hughton it felt like age was no barrier to inclusion at Blues.

Mutch, 20, started the season for the Blues boss before a broken ankle put him on the sidelines.

But now he’s fit and jostling for a place again along with Nathan Redmond, 17.

Chris Wood, 20, was given an opportunity at Blues before his loan from Albion ended. And 18-year-olds Jack Butland and Callum Reilly were on the substitutes bench for the FA Cup tie against Wolves.

“With young players I think if you are good enough you should be looked at,” said Mutch. “I don’t think they should be pushed aside, no matter about age.”

Jack Jervis (20) at Swindon Town and now Preston North End, and Akwasi Asante (19), at Northampton Town, are gaining valuable experience on loan, just like Butland did at Cheltenham Town.

“There have been a lot of young boys who have been involved this season,” said Mutch. “Jake is doing really well at Preston on loan now and did at Swindon before that.

"If he comes back in the squad I don’t know what’s going to happen with him, but he’s given himself the best opportunity to be around it. All you want is that opportunity to show what you can do at your club.”