FOLLOWING news that Onel Hernandez was made available for transfer by Middlesbrough, the Cuban’s loan spell has been terminated to allow him to join Birmingham City.

Hernandez was allowed to leave Boro alongside Uche Ikpeazu, James Lea-Siliki and Marcus Browne as manager Chris Wilder revealed this morning.

The 28-year-old made 18 appearances in a Boro shirt with his only goal coming away to Nottingham Forest during a 2-0 win back in September at the City Ground.

Wilder was full of praise for the attitude for the Cuban winger who had been playing out of position as a striker.

The Boro boss said: “Onel has been great for me. Same as Uche, great attitude but he’s a wide player. He plays in a 4-2-3-1, he plays 4-3-3, he plays in a 3-4-3 as a wide player. He’s done a job for us down the middle and he’s give it a right go.

“I’ve got to say for a lad who’s come on loan and we’re making this decision, he’s one of the best pros I’ve worked with. He’s been a joy to work with. He’s another one and from a financial point of view, it’s quite a big number for what we are paying for somebody with game time now at the top of the pitch will be limited.

“I’m looking at the top of the pitch now. I’ve looking at Balogun, Connolly, Watmore and Sporar with Josh Coburn in there. Another young player we are delighted to work with and we want to work with and improve. So we’ve got five for two.

“From a financial point of view, balancing things off with Marcus Browne, Uche, Onel makes sense and it makes sense for them as well because they are desperate to play regular football and no doubt at a different club, all three of them will do that.”

Hernandez took part in his first training session with the Blues this morning and signs on loan until the end of the season from Norwich City.