Jack Storer took his tally to seven in six pre-season games against Kidderminster Harriers, rounding off a pre-season campaign that has seen him thrust into the limelight and potentially Gary Rowett’s selection plans. With Blues apparently pursuing a striker all summer, has the solution been under our nose the whole time?

I’m not going to lie, I’m excited by Storer. It’s been a while since Blues produced a young striker through their academy – Andy “AJ” Johnson being the last I think – and while Storer was brought back to Brum this summer from Stevenage I think we can count the 18-year-old former Baverstock pupil as one of our own.

I can understand why people might think Storer is the answer. From watching him play he seems to have the knack of scoring goals; that innate ability to be in the right place at the right time. He plays with fire in his heart and while that passion and aggression will see him collect cards it will also intimidate defenders – Blues need a little bit more of that within the team.

Although he’s only on a six month deal, I think it’s obvious there is only one team he wants to play for. The shortness of the deal was to ensure Storer knew he had to earn a longer one; from the grapevine it seems he had a reputation at Stevenage similar to the one Reece Brown had at Blues last year and as such blues had to be careful.

Of course, if Rowett did decide to use Storer as a part of his first team plans on a regular basis then it would mean that money could be freed up to ensure the left-sided problem is sorted. Jonathan Grounds needs competition for his place lest he get complacent while the addition of a true left-footed winger would give Blues more options going forwards and hopefully create more chances for the likes of Storer to score.

We have to remember though that Storer is only 18 – and as such it’s a large burden to place on young shoulders. He may be on fire now but it’s all about how he reacts to a poor performance, or a perceived injustice. Part of making the step up from youth football to first team football is mental; being able to consistently perform to a standard and to be able to cope with defeat and failure.

Whatever happens in the transfer market this summer I do hope Blues look to their younger players in the months ahead to see if they can help fill in the gaps. While like everyone else I’m a bit antsy about the lack of business Blues have done I’m also aware that a smaller squad means more chances for homegrown heroes to make it – and homegrown heroes are good for the long-term financial future of the club.

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