Despite being born in Liverpool to an English mother, Jacques Williams grew up in France and was a member of the Bordeaux youth side when he came to the attention of Blues.
He travelled over for trial along with another promising French youngster Tresor Luntala in the summer of 1999 and both were quickly snapped up on three-year professional contracts.
Williams was involved in the England under-18 set-up last season.
He got a taste of first team action at St.Andrew's during the 2000/01 pre-season programme and stood out with his clever passing and vision.
A hernia operation has hampered his progress after making six appearances early in the season.