BLACKBURN'S out-of-favour full-back Jeff Kenna hopes to make his loan move to Nationwide First Division club Birmingham City a permanent one.

Kenna, who has already spent a spell on loan at Second Division Wigan this season, has helped the Blues keep two clean sheets in three games since signing on loan from the Ewood Park club.

The Dublin-born Republic of Ireland international, who has made 27 appearances for his country, has been out of favour at Blackburn since Graeme Souness took over as manager.

Kenna made his Birmingham debut in the 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday and then featured in the 3-0 win at Stockport and the 1-1 home draw with Nottingham Forest on New Year's Day.

"Since Graeme Souness took over at Blackburn it hasn't worked out for me," said Kenna.

"But the gaffer (Steve Bruce) has given me a chance to play and hopefully I can earn a contract at the end of it.

"I'm really loving my football here at the moment."

Kenna misses tomorrow's Birmingham's FA Cup third-round tie with Liverpool on Saturday as Blackburn do not want him cup-tied.

But he is eligible for the trip to Millwall and the home fixture with Wimbledon before the final game of his loan period at West Brom on January 29.