Jordon Ibe has been loaned to Championship outfit Birmingham City to ensure that the talented Liverpool winger gains the necessary experience to continue his rapid progress.

The fleet-footed wide-man established himself on the first-team scene in 2012-13 after impressing with a series of dominant performances which helped the club's U18s reach the FA Youth Cup semi-finals.

Brendan Rodgers' interest was piqued and the manager rewarded the youngster with a senior debut on the final day of the campaign; Ibe responded by setting up the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers.

Although the 18-year-old has been a regular name in the matchday squad this season, only two appearances have followed. Rodgers was therefore keen to find playing time for the promising No.33.

"I've wanted to have Jordon out on loan for a little while," the Northern Irishman told Liverpoolfc.com. "Because he has been close to the team and the squad, he has been unable to.

"Our squad was very small so he was playing a big part in that over the last few months. But he's still a very young player - he needs games and experience under pressure, and obviously that was limited with us.

"He has not long turned 18, he has got plenty of time. We wanted to send him to a club with a manager who has worked with young players and got the best out of some young players.

"Lee Clark, we feel, is someone who could do that. Traditionally, Birmingham City is a brilliant club, a big club. So there is a little bit of pressure, but he's going to go there and hopefully play, get his experience and earn his position in the team."