Blues boss determined to take on Hall-comers

LIVERPOOL and Everton are keeping tabs on Blues youngster George Hall.

The 18-year-old (pictured) is being monitored by a number of clubs as he continues to impress under John Eustace this season. Hall has made 18 league appearances and started five matches so far this term.

The Birmingham Post understands both Merseyside clubs are watching his development, while Leeds are also keen on making a move and attempted to sign the England Under-19 star last summer but were put off by Blues’ hefty price tag.

Despite a growing number of clubs joining the race to sign Hall, Eustace is determined to keep him at the club with the January window fast approaching.

“We’re delighted with his progress,” said the head coach. “He’s a top young player. All I want to do is to keep on developing George in the right way, which I think we have done so far.

“For me, George Hall is one of the top young players in the league. He’s a very effective player, whether he starts or we have him coming off the bench.

“He’s only just turned 18 and he’s got an opportunity to showcase himself here. We don’t want George Hall going anywhere.”

Meanwhile, on-loan Blues striker Sam Cosgrove says he expects to stay at Plymouth until the end of the season after ‘contact’ with his parent club.

The 26-year-old joined the League One outfit on a season-long deal on deadline day after making just two Championship appearances for Blues at the start of the campaign. He has enjoyed more game-time with the Pilgrims, making 14 league appearances so far, scoring five times.

Cosgrove has been a big hit with Plymouth, who sit in second place in the League One table, leading to worries among the club’s fans that he could be recalled by Blues when the January window opens.

However, Cosgrove expects to stay at Home Park until the summer, despite being in regular contact with Blues’ loans manager Martin O’Connor.

“I’m really enjoying it, probably the most I have been enjoying my football the past couple of years,” he said. “There is a real family feeling around the club. Results on the pitch are helping and hopefully I will be scoring more goals again.

“I have frequent contact with the loans manager at Birmingham. Everything is positive. I don’t think anything is going to be happening in January. Things can change quickly but I’m enjoying my football here so as long as that continues I’m happy.”