Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp has praised defender Cohen Bramall after his professional debut against Bournemouth.

Bramall, who joined the Blues from Arsenal on loan, made his first professional start last night against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup, playing 78 minutes for Birmingham in a 2-1 defeat. Manager Harry Redknapp was pleased with Bramall’s performance and hopes the full-back will be fit enough to play this weekend.

“Bramall who has come in for his debut was excellent for us as well. He gives us pace too,” Rednapp told Birmingham’s official website.“Cohen picked up a bit of an injury as well in a tackle, so we lost both kids who had been doing so well for us. We’ll have to see how they are for the weekend.”

Bramall was initially nervous on his debut and gave the ball a few times, but as he grew into the game he became more involved and demonstrated his pace and crossing ability. He played as a left wing-back before being substituted after 78 minutes due to a knock he received after going in for a tackle.

The left-back joined Birmingham on a season-long loan deal on Monday despite advice that he should stay at Arsenal until January. The 21-year-old was eager to play regular first-team football and gain valuable professional experience.

Redknapp was delighted to sign him, mostly due to his pace and his ability to play as a wing-back. Bramall, along with fellow loanee Carl Jenkinson, are expected to play as wing-backs in the City team as Birmingham seek to improve on last season’s relegation battle in the Championship.