Birmingham kicked off their preparations for the Championship season with a 7-0 drubbing of Austrian non-league outfit Kirchberg.New signing Kevin Phillips and Gary McSheffrey both bagged a brace while Gary O'Connor, Liam Ridgewell and David Murphy were all on the scoresheet at SV Westendorf Waldstadion.

There were also impressive appearances for teenagers Sone Aluko, Jared Wilson and Jordon Mutch as Blues dominated from start to finish.

Mutch, 16, who is experiencing his first ever pre-season at senior level, has impressed with his elegant midfield style, and coach Roy Aitken has been quick to hail the impression he has made so far.

"He is a really good young professional who goes about his business in the right manner and he has got good potential. But, like any other player, he has to keep working hard and doing the right things," he told the club's official website.

"What has to be remembered is that this is the first pre-season Jordon has been on with a senior squad but he's been well looked after by the staff and the other players and seems to be really relishing the challenge."

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