"Hleb is a top quality player - one who at one stage we'd only actually dreamed about really,'' McLeish told the club's official website. "Over the past year or so we have talked about him but with no real belief we could get him.
"We decided to give it a try and towards the end of the window we found out it might be possible. This is a major signing for us and we are very happy to have him here.
"He is an extremely creative type who is skilful, a great dribbler and has an excellent touch and great feet. He has huge international experience and great pedigree due to playing for such clubs as Stuttgart, Arsenal and Barcelona.
"As with all the players we have brought to the club in recent times I'd like to thank the board for their support in making them happen.''
The club have also wrapped up a deal with Russian side Spartak Moscow over a cut-price deal for versatile defender Jiranek, whose contract expires in December. He has moved to St Andrew's on a one-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish said: ''We are short at the back with regards to defensive cover. Jiranek has tremendous experience on club, European and international fronts. He is a good presence and his arrival will keep Roger Johnson and Scott Dann on their toes.''
The signings will go some way at least to tempering McLeish's disappointment at failing to land targets Moussa Dembele and Charles N'Zogbia over the last two weeks.
Source: ESPN Soccernet
No comments:
Post a Comment