Birmingham City player that Wayne Rooney loved is facing important January crossroads | OneFootball

Romelle Donovan's next move could be pivotal in his development

In recent times, Birmingham City and homegrown talent have gone hand-in-hand with each other, thanks to a number of players who have enjoyed strong upward trajectories since coming through the club's ranks.

Despite years of mismanagement in the boardroom, the utilisation of the academy system at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park saw the likes of worldwide sensation Jude Bellingham, his brother Jobe, Jordan James and George Hall among others, handed their first-team bows in recent years.

Following the club's well-documented takeover by Knighthead Capital Management, Birmingham's academy has since reached Category One status, highlighting the continued pledge of seeing local talent and those from further afield make it as professionals in B9.

Romelle Donovan is yet another example of someone who, like Bellingham, was handed his first-team debut at the age of 16, with Wayne Rooney introducing the attacker in the latter stages of a 2-0 defeat against Hull City last October.

However, fast-forward 14 months, and already, the 18-year-old is facing up to a crucial January window if his career is to continue progressing at his hometown club under Chris Davies.

Romelle Donovan's Birmingham City breakthrough saw some real exciting flashes of quality

As previously highlighted, Donovan's maiden outing came in the 2-0 home defeat against Hull, after initially making three appearances on the bench under John Eustace for FA Cup clashes against Forest Green Rovers and Blackburn Rovers at the turn of 2023.

However, it was clear that the teenager was someone who made an immediate impression on Rooney, who allowed Donovan to train with the first-team just days after his appointment after scoring thrice for the Under-21's at the beginning of the season, despite also being the youngest player in the squad.

The youngster would go on to make seven appearances in total, with the pick of those coming, ironically, in a 3-1 home defeat against Stoke City on Boxing Day, where Rooney used his endeavours in a 23-minute substitute appearance as an example to those much more senior.

“I’m frustrated and angry with every part of the game barring Romelle," the Liverpudlian said via The Mirror.

"He’s 17 years old and I’m using him as an example to some senior professionals. I’m not happy with one of them. If any player is sat in there thinking they have played well, then that’s a real concern."

This saw the winger rewarded with his only league start for the club to date against Bristol City, before Rooney was dismissed just five days later.

He would then feature in all of Blues' FA Cup outings, including his second start for the club in a 2-1 victory in the Third Round Replay over Hull City, before failing to make another appearance under Tony Mowbray or Gary Rowett post-January.

After the well-documented rebuild of his new-look squad, Blues' latest boss, Chris Davies, clearly sees the potential in Donovan, which was echoed in July prior to his loan move to fellow League One outfit, Burton Albion.

“I was really looking forward to working with Romelle having heard a fair bit about him," Davies told Birmingham Live.

"He has really impressed me in terms of his tenacity, he’s not just this luxury player that wants to float around the pitch.

"He shows a real tenacity to go and win the ball back and make an impact on the game."

Unfortunately for Donovan, his temporary switch to the Pirelli Stadium didn't go anywhere near as first envisaged, with the 18-year-old unable to make an impact in a side who have struggled for form under both Mark Robinson and then caretaker boss Tom Hounsell.

The England youth international made just nine appearances and only three starts for the Brewers across a three-month spell, which, on a positive note, did yield his first senior goal in a 5-2 EFL Trophy success against Northampton Town.

However, after not being involved in a matchday squad since that particular encounter, it was announced that Donovan had been recalled by Blues, even though he cannot officially have his loan deal terminated until January, and will take part in Under-21's matches until the turn of the year.

Birmingham City need to get Romelle Donovan's next step spot on

Given the current form that Blues are enjoying, it seems like an extraordinary turn of events would have to unfold for Donovan to don the Royal Blue competitively for the remainder of the season.

Furthermore, it has been reported that the club are eyeing up a potential loan return for Burnley's Nathan Redmond, which would only see the youngster fall further down the pecking order.

Therefore, it is imperative that, regardless of whether Donovan is sent out on loan once more to either a League One or League Two side, it is in an environment where he is able to flourish and express his full potential.