Birmingham City: Newcastle's Shane Ferguson extends loan deal

Birmingham City have extended on-loan Newcastle United winger Shane Ferguson's stay at St Andrew's until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old Northern Ireland international was signed initially on an emergency loan to cover Blues' six games up to Easter Monday.

But, after making his debut in the 5-2 loss at Steve Bruce's Hull on 2 March, Birmingham have impressed since.

"The deal has benefited us, Newcastle and Shane," said Blues boss Lee Clark.

"He's brought quality, tenacity, speed and energy and puts in quality deliveries.

"You've also got to remember just how young he is as well. He's a terrific little player and a great kid."

Ferguson, who can also play at full-back, had made 14 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle this season.

Prior to coming to St Andrew's, he had not figured since coming on as a late substitute in the 7-3 defeat at Arsenal in December.

But his first return to London since then, on Good Friday, was a happy one, Ferguson curling in a stunning free-kick - his first senior goal - in Friday's 4-0 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, to seal Blues' biggest away win in 14 months.