Jerome Sinclair’s struggle to make a case for his inclusion

Back in January, Gianfranco Zola was on a mission to add more firepower to his Birmingham City squad. The media were quick to produce a list as long as Nikola Zigic`s arm packed to the brim of potential strikers to clock in at St. Andrews. Zola eventually contacted Watford and agreed a loan deal for Jerome Sinclair.

Sinclair entered the building as a 20-year-old, raw, unproven striker. Unfortunately, he will also exit the building as a 20-year-old, raw, unproven striker.

Things haven`t worked out for the Brummie who has recently spoken of his discontent at the lack of game time since his temporary arrival in his home town. During his five appearances, Sinclair has failed to make a case for his inclusion in the starting line-up on a regular basis.

The problem is, Blues needed a poacher, preferably a poacher with a bit of pace. We all heard the stories about the sheer speed in which Sinclair glides through the grass but he`s yet to show any of the attributes that were meant to make him a hit at the club and really kick start his own career

In 17 career appearances, Sinclair has managed to score on just two occasions – one apiece for Liverpool and Watford. With that in mind, he`s clearly not the natural goal scorer Zola was craving and it`s difficult to see what he offers Blues that is an upgrade of what we already have.

While strikers need time to settle in and find their feet, signing Sinclair was a very short term approach and came with hope of an added threat in the ranks. His five anonymous displays have given little cause for him to feel aggrieved at being left out of the match day squad.