Birmingham City has opted to send Rico Patterson on loan to Rushall Olympic, a team in the National League North, for the rest of the season. Patterson, who joined the club on a one-year contract in January 2023 after securing a scholarship in 2020, will be assessed by the Blues to determine his future at St Andrew’s based on his performance in senior football away from the club. He will be joining former teammates Callum Sullivan and Rico Browne at Rushall Olympic. Patterson, a highly-rated midfielder, previously served as captain for the under-18s team before progressing to the under-21s. This season, he has made 26 appearances for Steve Spooner’s side, contributing four goals and aiding in their position at the top of the Professional Development League North table.

“I am really excited to be able to get Rico on board,” said manager, Liam McDonald on the official club website.

“I have been after him for quite a while and now the time is right to bring him in.

“He’ll bring creativity in the final third as well as goals, just what we are looking for.

“He’s a good player and someone who will be able to fit in straight away. I am looking forward to getting him on the pitch and involved in the last leg of this particular journey that we are on.”

Patterson might make his debut tonight for Rushall as they face Brackley Town at Dales Lane. Rushall currently sits in 20th place in the National League North, which is the sixth tier of English football. They’re just one point above the relegation zone with nine games left in their season.

For Birmingham fans eager to see Patterson play for his new club, they can catch him in action during the international break when Birmingham City isn’t playing. Rushall Olympic has a home match against Darlington, who are also battling relegation, on Saturday, March 23rd at 3:00 pm.