Jordon Mutch and his Academy manager at Birmingham have both explained the importance of the midfielder's loan move to Watford.

Mutch has this afternoon signed for Watford on a month-long youth loan and the 18-year-old believes it will be an important step in his development.

The midfielder told Birmingham's website: "I gained good experience at Doncaster, where I spent the second half of last season, and hopefully this is another good opportunity for me to play first team football.

"I'll travel down there tonight and meet the squad and the manager, but I'm not sure yet if I'll be involved tomorrow.

"Depending on how well I do there, it's up to the manager if the deal is to be extended."

Mutch joined Birmingham from Derby County as a 15-year-old and spent time on loan at Doncaster Rovers and Hereford United last season.

He has been part of the Birmingham first team squad during pre-season but Academy manager Terry Westley believes it is important Mutch goes out to gain experience.

"Jordon has shown the manager this summer that he's worth a squad number. He is now with the first team group in their dressing room and trains with them every day," revealed Westley.  "He did well in the pre-season games that he played for the first team so he's around that level but the manager also needs experienced people.

"Jordon has to keep pushing and pushing until he can break into the team. For him to go away to Watford for a month and play first team football in the Championship at 18 years of age is where he needs to be.

"He needs to play at a good level and learn his trade and then come back here and be ready for first team football."

A youth loan means it can be extended outside of the transfer window.

Watford are currently waiting to find out whether Mutch, who will wear number 18, is eligible to play tomorrow against Coventry City.