Blues sign Spartak skipper

Birmingham City have confirmed the signing of Spartak Moscow captain Martin Jiranek on a one-year deal.

The Blues have paid an undisclosed fee for the 31-year-old Czech Republic defender.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish told www.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, who has 31 international caps, cost Spartak £4.7m (€5.6m) in 2004.