Boss Jim Magilton says striker Billy Clarke can go out on loan. A number of League One sides are believed to be interested in taking the Irish U21 international on a short-term spell.

Magilton said: “Billy is very much part of the first team squad, but if the right opportunity came along for him to be playing regular first team football elsewhere for a month that would be beneficial to him, then I would allow him to go.”

Leeds United are reported to be amongst those interested in the 19-year-old, who previously spent time on loan at Colchester United in the 2005/06 season when he made two starts and four sub appearances but failed to find the net. Clarke has started 13 games for Town and has appeared 27 times from the bench, scoring four goals since progressing from the academy.

The Blues already have Ian Miller on loan at Darlington, Sammy Moore at Brentford and Matt Richards and George O'Callaghan at Brighton. The Seagulls' interest in taking Dean Bowditch on a second loan spell has cooled in recent weeks.

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