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Kiernan's most recent appearance for the Latics was in their 3-1 defeat against Blues at St Andrew's on 10 January

Birmingham have signed Wigan Athletic defender Rob Kiernan on loan for the rest of the Championship season.

Kiernan, 24, helps fill the void left by an ankle injury to Michael Morrison.

It is the second time he will have played for Blues boss Gary Rowett, who first took him on loan to Burton Albion for a month in the autumn of 2012.

The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 captain will be eligible up to and including the final league match of the season on 2 May at Bolton.

Kiernan's rapid rise up the Championship table Birmingham City currently stand 12th in the Championship - 11 places and 16 points better off than Wigan Athletic

Wigan have a recall option after 28 days on Kiernan, who is still contracted to remain at the DW Stadium until the summer of 2017.

This is the 10th loan move of Kiernan's career, following spells with Kilmarnock, Yeovil Town, Bradford City (twice), Wycombe Wanderers, Accrington Stanley, Burton, Brentford and Southend United.

Watford-born Kiernan started with his home town club before moving north to sign for Wigan in June 2011. Since then, he has made 32 appearances, having won a regular first-team place at the end of last season following his return from loan at Southend.

He has made another 18 appearances this season, but lost his place last month in a defensive reshuffle by new boss Malky Mackay following the arrival on loan of former Blues defender Liam Ridgewell.