Gary McSheffrey has joined fellow Championship side Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of the season.

The Blues midfielder has recently recovered from a bout of tendinitis in his knee which had kept him out of action since mid-September last year.

McSheffrey made his return to first team action for Blues during last weekend's game against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane as a second half substitute.

However, with competition for places in the Blues midfield particularly fierce, Blues boss Alex McLeish believes that a loan spell with the Reds is the most effective way for the 26-year-old to get valuable match fitness.

Billy Davies' side currently face a battle to maintain their Championship status as they sit 18th place in the table, just three points above the drop zone.

They face a tough encounter at the weekend when play host to Swansea at the City Ground.

Blues have an instant recall option in place on McSheffrey which kicks in after midnight on April 4.