Jarosik versatility secured blues move

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has admitted Jiri Jarosik’s midfield versatility was a key factor in signing the Czech international from Chelsea.

The 27-year-old has joined Birmingham, initially on loan for the remainder of the campaign with a view to the move becoming permanent next summer, although he is not giving up hope of eventually earning a regular spot at Stamford Bridge.

Jarosik will go straight into the squad for tomorrow’s home Barclays Premiership encounter with Middlesbrough as City look for their first win of the 2005-2006 season.

Bruce has been searching for a quality midfielder after being frustrated in his attempts to land Scott Parker and Lee Bowyer earlier in the summer.

He had brought in Nicky Butt – also on loan from Newcastle – earlier in the month but the departure of Robbie Savage, Darren Carter and now Darren Anderton plus the injury to Mehdi Nafti meant new blood was needed in the centre of the park.

Jarosik is keen for the chance to play regular football, especially in World Cup year, after making just three Premiership starts following his move from CSKA Moscow to Chelsea in January.

He had also been a target for Celta Vigo and Besiktas and the arrival at Chelsea of Michael Essien from Lyon means he has slipped further down the pecking order.

Bruce said: “Jiri is a very powerful midfield player and is very good in the air. We were aware of him from his time playing with CSKA Moscow and the Czech Republic.

“But I was also impressed with him when he played against us at the end of last season. He only played 25 minutes but he turned the game and caught my eye because of his physical presence.

“He can play the holding role in midfield, operate at the bottom of the diamond and also play off the front two. At his best, I think he is an attacking midfield player. But it’s his versatility that really appeals.”

Jarosik said: “I am leaving for football. I miss the matches. For me it is better to leave Chelsea now. But I do not give up the fight for the place in their line-up. I am leaving for now – then we shall see.”

His agent Viktor Kolar admitted: “The important thing for Jiri is that he plays matches at the top level, especially as this is a World Cup year. For all those reasons, we see Birmingham as being the best solution.

“There was interest from Celta Vigo and Besiktas but Jiri was always in favour of preferring Birmingham.”