Jobe Bellingham tipped for stardom but told to be 'patient' amid ongoing Jude comparisons

The 17-year-old starlet is earning his stripes with Birmingham City after making 15 appearances for the Blues this term.

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While 13 of those have come from the bench, the midfielder is regarded as a real talent but faces a huge challenge as he looks to step out of the shadow of his older sibling.

Jude Bellingham is only 19, but is tearing it up for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga and Champions League, while also being fresh from a stunning World Cup in Qatar with England.

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Linked with a move to Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid this summer, Jude's status as one of the world's best young players is a huge pressure to put on Birmingham youngster Jobe, something that club veteran Deeney is very aware of.

Speaking on talkSPORT Drive about Jobe's potential, Deeney said: "His potential could be whatever he wants. The problem for me is that wherever he goes he's always going to be compared to his brother, isn't he?

"He's 17 years old now. His brother, at 17, was playing and dragging Birmingham City through a Championship season so it's always considered that he's not doing as well but my job and my role now is to explain to him that everyone has a different path.

"If he starts doing what he's capable of when he's 18, 19, 20, it doesn't mean that he isn't any good because he hasn't gone to a World Cup and ripped it up like his brother has.

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"I'm just trying to get him to have patience. It's difficult with these young kids and Benty [Darren Bent] will tell you, when you're young you want it now. You can't see six months down the line, you want to know why you're not playing next week.

"We've got to keep him patient but he's growing at a phenomenal rate. I think he's put on about 10kg and is about six-foot-four now and he's 17, so he's only going to get bigger and stronger and he's a talented player as well."

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Deeney added: "It's a difficult marker because at 17 he should be going out on loan in the real world now really.

"Learning his trade, getting an understanding and making mistakes as he comes through the ranks but his last name is Bellingham so now, he should be playing for England."