West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo has allowed out-of-favour centre-half Leon Barnett to join Midlands rivals Coventry on loan until January 31.

Barnett, who turns 24 at the end of this month, has made two substitute appearances in the Championship and three Carling Cup starts for Albion this season having slipped down the pecking order at The Hawthorns.

Yet he has a host of experience, including Premier League know-how having featured in the top flight last term, and his arrival at the Ricoh Arena will provide a much-needed boost to a threadbare Sky Blues rearguard that has looked extremely shaky of late.

The Baggies have the right to recall Barnett after 28 days.