Birmingham academy director Terry Westley believes the club's youngsters benefited from the friendly run-out against Tamworth despite losing to the non-league side.

Westley oversaw a Birmingham XI predominantly filled with teenagers and trialists as they slipped to a 3-1 defeat but remained upbeat.

Lee Carsley and Colin Doyle added first-team experience to the side and Westley believes that contributed to a positive outing.

He told the club's official website: "Lee played half a game for us because he felt as though he needed it having only come on as a sub against Crewe the night before.

"That was good for our lads to play and learn from someone with such vast experience.

"Colin in goal played well, made a couple of good saves and couldn't do anything about the three goals that we conceded.

"Overall it was a good experience for our lads and they stuck to the task which was pleasing."