Martin Jiranek

Blues have secured the services of Spartak Moscow captain Martin Jiranek for an undisclosed fee.

The club have beaten several other clubs to the signature of 31-year-old Jiranek, who is a Czech Republic international with Champions League experience.

Jiranek, who has penned a one-year deal, is a 6ft 3ins centre-back.

Blues manager Alex McLeish told bcfc.com: "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."

Jiranek featured in the 2004 European Championships for the Czech Republic, with whom he has amassed 31 caps, and in the World Cup two years later.

He started his career in his homeland with Bohemians Prague before moving on to Slovan Liberec in 1999 following a loan spell with Tatran Postorna.

Two years later Jiranek signed for Italian club Reggina whom he played for for three seasons before a £4.7 million switch to Spartak Moscow in 2004, for whom he has clocked up no less than 136 appearances.