Scott Dann

New Blues signing Scott Dann realises he will need to be at top of his game to cope with some of the best strikers in the world, but the defender says he is confident he can meet the challenge that lies ahead of him.

"I only realised about a week or so before the move that Birmingham were interested in me, but once I heard I was really keen on coming here," said the centre half.

"Obviously it's a big step up to the Premier League but it's one I wanted and fortunately it's come about the right way.

"You want to prove yourselves against the top players and I've got the chance to do that now, but even though I've worked ever so hard to get here I know even more hard work starts now.

"But I am confident in my own abilities and I want to play against the best week in and week out and I've got the chance to do that.

"It was a chance I had to take and I jumped at it."

Dann is also looking forward to working with both Alex McLeish and Roy Aitken, because of their own defensive backgrounds.

"Working with Alex McLeish and Roy Aitken is definitely a plus," he said.

"They were both two top defenders and that can only help you when you've got people like them to help you along the way.

"I'm sure they'll give me pointers and tell me where I'm going wrong.

"I had that at Coventry with Chris Coleman (who was also a defender) and he brought me along while I was there and now I've ended up having a centre back as a manger here and it can only help. 

"I've spoken to the manager (McLeish) quite a bit and he seems genuine and fair and that's all you want from a manager.

"He just said to me to give my all and he'll try and help me improve me and my game and that's the sort of thing you want to hear.

"He doesn't want you to just to stay the player you are; he wants you to be a better player."