McLeish has been impressed by Mutch in pre-season

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is tipping 16-year-old midfielder Jordon Mutch to make a first-team impact this season.

The former Scotland manager is ready to blood the youngster in the Championship after an impressive pre-season showing.

"He's only 16, he's 17 I think in December, and for him to be breaking into the team at that age says a lot for the lad," McLeish told BBC WM.

"He's going to be a good player, of that I've no doubt, and I'm sure he can break through this season."

Mutch adds to Blues' options in the centre of midfield while skipper Damien Johnson is out through injury.

As well as the teenager, McLeish has Mehdi Nafti, Lee Carsley and new boy Kemy Agustien competing for two places in the middle, while James McFadden could also line up in a more withdrawn role behind the front two.

The Blues boss is also keeping tabs on the strikers battling it out to be in the team for the opening match with Sheffield United on Saturday.

Summer signings Marcus Bent and Kevin Phillips are vying for positions with Cameron Jerome, McFadden and Garry O'Connor.

"I think Bent is improving with each game," McLeish noted after the weekend draw against Fulham at St Andrew's.

"That was the sharpest I've seen him - he was looking a bit leggy last week. There were signs of his brilliance at times."