CHERRIES winger Connor Mahoney has joined Championship outfit Birmingham City on a season-long loan.

The 21-year-old will reunite with James Beattie at St Andrew's, the manager who gave him his debut at former club Accrington.

Mahoney was just 16 when he made six appearances under ex-Southampton striker Beattie, who is now first-team coach at Birmingham.

England under-20 international Mahoney left Accrington for hometown club Blackburn in December 2013.

He made 21 appearances during a four-year spell at Ewood Park before penning a four-year contract with Cherries 12 months ago.

Cherries were ordered to pay an initial £425,000 in compensation after the two clubs had been unable to agree a fee.

Mahoney was restricted to two FA Cup starts during his first season at Vitality Stadium, lining up in both games against Wigan in the third round.

He joined Barnsley on loan in January and featured eight times for the Yorkshire club as they suffered relegation from the Championship.

Mahoney's third appearance for the Tykes came during a 2-0 win against Birmingham at St Andrew's in February.

Birmingham are permitted to sign five players – but none for a fee – after having a transfer embargo lifted by the EFL.

Mahoney, who could be recalled by Cherries in January, becomes manager Garry Monk's second signing and could make his debut at Middlesbrough on Saturday.