Birmingham sign Latka

Birmingham have signed Czech Republic Under-21 defender Martin Latka on loan from Slavia Prague until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old centre-half has been signed by Steve Bruce, with a view to a permanent deal, to cover for the loss of Kenny Cunningham and Martin Taylor to injury.

The 6ft 4in defender will be available for Birmingham’s trip to Liverpool on Wednesday providing he receives international clearance on time.

Latka is City's second January signing following the arrival of Chris Sutton from Celtic on a short-term deal.

Manager Bruce told the club’s website, www.bcfc.com: “He comes highly-recommended and he is young, which is always a big bonus.”

Bruce has been forced to field his rookie son Alex in defence in recent weeks and abandoned his pursuit of Charlton midfielder Jason Euell to concentrate on bolstering his defence.