Birmingham striker Alex Jones' loan move to Wellington Phoenix collapses

Birmingham striker Alex Jones' proposed loan move to Australian A-League side Wellington Phoenix has collapsed.

Jones flew out to New Zealand earlier this month after Blues had agreed a deal for him to stay with Phoenix until the end of the season.

But New Zealand Football failed to submit online documentation before the deadline for Jones' international clearance.

"It's incredibly disappointing for Alex," Blues boss Gary Rowett told the club's official website.

"He had to wait for a visa for about a week to start with and then he eventually flew over.

"I think it was just an administrative error so I don't quite know the ins and outs of it, but of course it's very frustrating for Alex.

"He was guaranteed to play rather than going out into the Conference.

"Unfortunately it's now a bit of a slap in the face that he's now got to come all the way back.

"I think we'll now look for another team for him. It's a shame for the boy."

A statement from New Zealand Football said: "While FIFA acknowledged the individual circumstances at NZF which led to the delay of Alex's transfer, they have ruled to protect the integrity of their global deadlines for the transfer of players.

"Given the unfortunate circumstances, we are obviously disappointed at the outcome for both Alex and the Wellington Phoenix."

Jones, a regular in Birmingham's Under-21 side, played six games on loan at Vanarama National League outfit Grimsby last year.