Blues new-boy Martin Jiranek has revealed that a chat with a Czech mate convinced him to join the Barclays Premier League 'fairytale'.
The 31-year-old centre-half was the first of a trio of deadline day signings for Blues and will now provide much-needed competition for the successful defensive pairing of Roger Johnson and Scott Dann.
As a Czech Republic international, veteran of Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006 and skipper of Russian giants Spartak Moscow, an experienced head such as Jiranek was exactly the type of defensive acquisition that McLeish was looking for.
The former Reggina man has already chalked up stints in the Czech, Italian and Russian top flights and is now itching to get a taste of the special atmosphere that comes with English football.
And Jiranek has revealed that some wise words from a compatriot and ex-Spartak Moscow colleague further convinced him that he was making the right move.
"I spoke with Radoslav Kovac who plays at West Ham United and he gave some great references," said Jiranek, who was due to train with his new team-mates for the first time today.
" He said it was like a fairytale for him to be in the Premier League, playing in great stadiums in front of supporters that make a great atmosphere.
"Now I'm really excited about making my debut, I want to see and feel the atmosphere at the stadium and that great support from the Birmingham fans.
"I know that Jiri Jarosík used to play for the club and I know they have a good coach and a great team who did very well last season.
"I also know Birmingham is the second biggest city in England and the club has brilliant supporters who are crazy about their team.
"I'm very happy to sign a contract with Birmingham City. As soon as I saw the stadium and the city I knew it was the right move for me."
Although Dann and Johnson have both impressed at the back for Blues since pairing up last season, Jiranek's arrival will help keep McLeish's first-choice centre-halves on their toes.
The Prague-born star knows that he'll have to remain patient as he waits for his chance - but insists that he's confident that he'll grab it with both hands when his opportunity to impress eventually arrives.
He added: "I was the captain of Spartak Moscow so this move was a difficult one but now I'm very happy and I hope to bring more strength to the team, I've always been a warrior so I think I can help my new team-mates to more victories.
"I think I have enough quality to make an impression but it's a question of time and taking my chances when they come."
