Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp revealed he signed Arsenal left-back Cohen Bramall on a season-long loan to utilise his speed in games.

Bramall joined Birmingham on loan on Monday and made his professional debut last night in the Carabao Cup against Bournemouth. He was known for his speed when he signed for Arsenal, and it seems that reputation has helped get this move to City.

Manager Harry Redknapp, who was previously in charge of Tottenham Hotspur, wanted to add more pace to his team. He already brought in Isaac Vessel, a striker who could run 100m in under 11 seconds. Now he’s got Bramall, who can match that feat. “I’ve heard this Vassell is quick but I haven’t really seen anyone sprint,” Bramall said to the Birmingham Mail.

“I did 200m and 100m back in the day and I wish I carried on doing it because I think I’d be a lot more explosive and more powerful. The last time I did 100m I clocked it in 10.9 seconds. A lot has changed now and I’ve put on a bit of weight. I’d say I’m more powerful now.”

On top of his pace, Redknapp was also impressed with the reports he received from Arsenal and the amount of first-team experience Bramall received in pre-season.

“He’s lightning quick, he has fantastic pace and a great left foot. All the reports from Arsenal have been excellent,” Redknapp said. He played pre-season against Chelsea and he played against Bayern Munich so he’s had some experience around the Arsenal first team as well. We’ve got a good training ground – not quite as good as Arsenal’s! They’ve settled in well.”

Bramall continued his quick rise from Non-League obscurity by being involved in Arsenal’s pre-season. He made his debut against Western Sydney Warriors, and followed that up with appearances against Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Sevilla. He’s now getting his first taste of professional football in the Championship.