A WEEK after scoring a hat-trick against Wanderers in a practice match, Watford striker Matty Whichelow has joined the Blues on a month's loan.

The 20-year-old forward could go straight into the side to face Tranmere on Saturday after fellow striker Scott Rendell departed for Oxford earlier today.

Whichelow scored three times in 21 appearances for Watford last season but his brief cameo against Tottenham Hotspur in the Hornets' Friday night FA Cup tie was his first outing of the campaign for them.

Considered the outstanding talent amongst Watford's first year professionals last season, he already has League One experience this season after a three-match spell at Blues' relegation rivals Exeter City. That loan spell was terminated early by the Grecians, with Watford manager Sean Dyche describing it as a "learning curve" for the youngster.

Wanderers boss Gary Waddock told the club's official website: "I've been watching Matty for a while and his performance against us just proved that he's a lively player who could make a positive impact here.

"He's highly thought of at Watford and I'd like to thank their manager Sean Dyche for allowing him to join us."

Whichelow will wear shirt number 24 during his loan spell, which will expire after the clash with Scunthorpe United on March 3.