With the current dearth of stories regarding possible incoming players to St Andrews, I thought I’d take a look at some players I’d like us to take on loan. Now, before we get into this, none of these are players that I “know” Blues are interested in, they’re just potential loan signings I’ve picked out. It’s not even speculation, it’s just a look at what is out there.

Benik Afobe (Arsenal striker)

Yes, it sounds like a name I’ve dragged up from Football Manager, I have to be honest. However Afobe, an 18 year old English striker of Congolese descent earnt rave reviews last year whilst at Huddersfield Town from the Terriers fans. Although his record of 8 in 35 in all competitions last season (5 in 28 League One appearances) isn’t fantastic, the feedback I read from the Huddersfield forums was glowing; many praised his all round attacking game and stated that at 18 he was a real prospect. I think as a third or fourth choice striker, a player who might start initially on the bench he’d offer us some options. Not convinced? Here’s an obligatory Youtube clip

Nicky Ajose (Manchester United Forward)

Nicky is a 19 year old English winger/forward of Nigerian descent who is rated fairly highly as a prospect at Manchester United. Last season he scored 13 in League Two for a Bury side that got promoted to League One. Again, he’s another player who has excited whilst on loan and from watching various bits and bobs on Youtube, it looks like he’s a raw talent. It would be a bit of a step up from playing in the fourth tier with the Shakers to playing for a team that should be promotion favourites in the Championship, but again as a third or fourth choice striker I think he could provide us with a pacy option.

Gai Assulin (Manchester City Forward)

Now, I will have to admit the first time I’d ever heard of Assulin, an Israeli forward was in the Football Manager series of games. Whilst at Barcelona, he was supposed to be one of the next big things – however, like Enric Valles (who he played along side) it didn’t quite work out for him, and he ended up signing for Man City on a free. Assulin has had major injury problems over the last few years, and it might be a bit of a risk to take him on loan; however I think given a chance to shine, his undoubted talent would come through. There are also work permit issues – I’m not sure if he is a player who requires one and if he is, that would massively complicate a loan deal. Obligatory Youtube clip here.

Chris Wood (WBA Striker)

I know that for some the idea of taking a player on loan from our local rivals wouldn’t go down well – and I accept that – but I’ve been keeping an eye on the young Kiwi striker Wood and I think he’d do well at Championship level. Although he didn’t score whilst on loan at Barnsley (like Garry O’Connor), he did get 8 in 29 for Brighton and Hove Albion, who won League One at a canter. It’s true that a few of his eight were from the spot, but to me he’s looked useful – his average rating in the Brighton newspaper was just under 7, which to me indicates a fairly steady performer. He’s not the quickest, but he’s a big lad and I’d like to see some variation in our front line. In saying that, some BHA fans were a little less forgiving of him missing a few chances; however if we’re making plenty of chances I don’t see that as being too bad.

No doubt some of you will argue with some of my ideas, or suggest better ones. Hughton has said that he is likely to use the loan route; in the past it’s seen us bring in such great youngsters as Bendtner, Larsson, and Muamba. I’m not fully happy with the idea of us bringing on another team’s young guns but the fact is we’re going to need a bigger squad and bringing in a few kids will help us with our player shortage.

Tags: Benik Afobe, Chris Hughton, Chris Wood, Enric Valles, Gai Assulin, Loan players, Nicky Ajose