Birmingham City extend contract of impressive Mansfield Town loanee Ryan Stirk

The 21-year-old midfielder has been in excellent form for Nigel Clough's promotion-chasers this season, making 33 appearances and last weekend netting his second goal for the Stags in the 4-0 win at Scunthorpe United.

The Birmingham Academy graduate joined the Blues at the start of the last decade and signed a scholarship in 2017 before being handed a professional deal at the age of 17, a period that coincided with recognition in the Wales youth set-up that has seen him represent his nation up to U21 level so far.

Stirk also featured in 2018’s run to the FA Youth Cup semi-finals.

After making his first two professional Blues outings at the end of the 2020/21 season, Stirk switched to Mansfield last July for the current campaign and has won a regular place amid stiff midfield competition.