Newcastle defender Shane Ferguson joins Birmingham on loan

The 21-year-old Northern Ireland international will stay at St Andrew's until April 1

Alan Pardew: Newcastle’s manager appreciates the owner’s support (PA)

Newcastle defender Shane Ferguson as joined npower Championship side Birmingham on a month's loan.

The 21-year-old Northern Ireland international will stay at St Andrew's, where he will link up with former Magpie Lee Clark, until April 1 and could make his debut in Saturday's league clash with Hull.

Ferguson is the second man to have tasted senior action with Alan Pardew's side this season to go out on loan within a matter of days after midfielder Sammy Ameobi was allowed to join Middlesbrough for the remainder of the season on Monday.

PA