Teemu Tainio

Teemu Tainio says that his decision to join Blues was made easier with the knowledge that boss Alex McLeish had twice previously tried to sign him.

The Finnish international became McLeish's final signing of the summer transfer window, when he moved to St. Andrew's on a season long loan from Sunderland.

"I was aware that he (McLeish) tried to sign me when I was at Auxerre when we played against Rangers," said Tainio. 

"Then there was a story two years ago that Birmingham wanted to sign me when I was at Spurs.

"This time I only had one hour to make decision to come here, because I only heard about the move on the last day of the transfer window.

"But knowing that the manager wanted to sign me before made me feel good and made the decision much easier.

"It's so important to feel the confidence of your manager when you are a player. 

"I also knew I wouldn't have too many chances to play at Sunderland this year, so I had to make a quick decision and so far I'm pleased to be here.

"We had a really hard season with Sunderland last year when we finished 17th and just managed to survive and it was a very long season and I had a few silly injuries, ankle problems and my shoulder, so it was a hard season for me personally.

"But this is a new chapter for me I want to do well and do better with Birmingham.

"I'm ready to prove myself to the Birmingham fans, the staff, coaches and players.

"It's a little bit early to say about making the move permanent at the end of the season but if we can keep Birmingham in the Premiership and I keep playing I don't see why not."

Tainio challenges Ashley Young

Tainio made his debut for Blues in last weekend's derby game against Villa.

Despite playing in an unfamiliar right back role, the midfielder put in a sterling performance to snuff out the threat of potent Villa winger Ashley Young.

 "I was a little bit surprised that I had to play right back," he said.

"Of course I played a few games there with Spurs so it wasn't new for me.

"If the manager asks you to play there you play there.

"I was not nervous because I've played in derbies before.

"It was a good game to be involved in but of course I was disappointed after we lost, but at least I have one game under my belt with Birmingham

"I didn't think we deserved to lose.

"We stayed in the game very well and kept the ball nicely, but in the last 20 minutes Aston Villa started to push a little bit more and they scored from a set play and that is always disappointing.

"Overall I was pleased with my performance because I'd only trained once before with the team which is not easy before going straight into a derby game."

Blues travel up to Hull tomorrow and with Stephen Carr ready to resume his duties at right after recovering from injury, Tainio is set to return to his favoured midfield position.

He admits it will be a tough test playing against a Hull side in front of their own fans.

"Hull is not an easy place to play," he added.
 
"They will want to prove themselves in front of their home fans.

"We have to go there and match the physical side and hopefully make the difference with the score."