Middlesbrough have signed striker Marcus Bent on a two-month emergency loan deal from Birmingham.

Bent has yet to feature for the Blues this season, having been kept on the sidelines by a recurring hamstring injury.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish told the Barclays Premier League club's official website it makes sense for the forward to get some action in the Coca-Cola Championship.

"Going up there for two months is an opportunity for him," said McLeish.

"When it's time for him to come back, we hope he'll be in great form and pushing for a place in the team.

"He's obviously had one or two setbacks with injuries. But he's a big, strong centre-forward with pace and presence - and when he's on top form he's an asset."