Lee Clark has stated that Ravel Morrison can play for Birmingham City if he works hard in training

Ravel Morrison may have not appeared for Birmingham City since August 25 and been left out of the last three match-day squads, but boss Lee Clark has insisted that if the young midfielder works hard in training then he can force his way back into the first team picture.

"We brought him in because he's a talented young man but there's more than talent that gets you in the team. "Ravel understands that and he's going to be working extremely hard over the coming weeks to get that sorted." Clark was also pleased to announce that former Senegal international Papa Bouba Diop has signed a one-month contract, subject to a successful visa application, after joining the club on trial two weeks ago. Diop has been a free agent since his release by West Ham during the summer, and will join up with Clark for the second time after the pair were team mates at Fulham. It has been a busy few days for Birmingham City, with the club also announcing that youngsters Mitch Hancox and Jack Deaman have had their contracts extended until next June.