Birmingham City and Andre Wisdom: Why the Derby County old boy did not play for the Under 23s

Andre Wisdom is starting his fourth week training with Birmingham City.

The 28-year-old is a free agent meaning Blues can still offer a contract despite the closure of the transfer window..

Wisdom has not played since leaving Derby in the summer - indeed it’s been 10 months since his last game.

So what’s the state of play? Here’s what we know so far.

The defensive crisis which precipitated arrival at Wast Hills - and then got even worse to the point Blues had only one fit senior defender - is easing.

Marc Roberts returned to the back-line at Bristol City - and was joined by the fit again Nico Gordon in a five man defence that featured three actual defenders.

Teden Mengi is due back at training today too - but there are still issues

Stand in central defender Maxime Colin picked up a thigh strain in the first half against Huddersfield Town and while, according to Bowyer, he is 'improving' he's not expected to be ready for a few weeks.

George Friend is also sidelined so Blues don't actually have four senior defenders to field and winger Jordan Graham continues to fill in admirably at right back.

Wisdom's ability to play full back or centre half continues to be a tantalising prospect.

He was expected to re-sign with Derby but having not reached an agreement the Rams were hit with a transfer embargo leaving Wisdom in limbo. The full explanation can be found here.

Speaking after the Huddersfield game Bowyer said: "He has to get fit. He played for the 23s the other day at Southampton and he came off at half time.

"It is going to take him a while to get fit. He has not played football for 11 months."

Should Blues sign Andre Wisdom? Have your say here

Wisdom played half of the U23s' game against Southampton a couple of