Sunderland winger keen to extend Birmingham loan spell

Buckley joined the Championship outfit on an initial month-long loan deal last week and made his Birmingham debut as a late substitute in Saturday’s 3-0 win at promotion-chasing Derby County.

It is the 26-year-old’s latest attempt to kick-start his career back into life after his Autumn move to Leeds United saw him make just a solitary start.

But with no prospect of Buckley getting a second chance at Sunderland, the ex-Brighton man hopes to make the most of his time at St Andrew’s and earn an extension to his loan spell.

Buckley said: “I just want first team football and hopefully I can get a chance here.

“It’s for a month to start with then if everything goes well for both parties, we would be looking to the end of the season hopefully.

“The season has been a bit stop start and a bit frustrating.

“You lose that match sharpness when you are not playing, you are training every day but you need those games. First team football would be great for me.

“That’s why I have come here, to try to get a few more games and at least sub appearances, as it’s hard to get in the team when they are winning 3-0!

“It will probably take me a week or two to get that match fitness. I came on for five minutes on Saturday and felt sharp, hopefully I am not far off.”