England Premier League Media

Birmingham have signed former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb, Czech defender Martin Jiranek and Chile winger Jean Beausejour.

On a busy deadline day at St Andrews, Hleb, 29, joined on a season-long loan from Barcelona and Jiranek, 31, on a one-year deal from Spartak Moscow.

Beausejour, 26, signed a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

“Hleb is a top quality player – one who at one stage we’d only actually dreamed about really,” said boss Alex McLeish.

“This is a major signing for us and we are very happy to have him here.”

Hleb made 89 appearances for Arsenal before leaving the club to join Barcelona two years ago.

The Belarus international struggled to hold down a first-team place at the Catalan giants and spent last season on loan at German side Stuttgart.

“Over the past year or so we have talked about him but with no real belief we could get him,” said McLeish.

“We decided to give it a try and towards the end of the window we found out it might be possible.”

Jiranek is a 6ft 3in centre half with 31 caps for the Czech Republic, who he represented in the 2004 European Championship and 2006 World Cup.

“Jiranek has tremendous experience on club, European and international fronts,” said McLeish, who has also added Ben Foster, Nikola Zigic, Enric Valles and Matt Derbyshire to his squad in the close season.

“He is a good presence and his arrival will keep Roger Johnson and Scott Dann on their toes.”

Beausejour, who helped Chile reach the last 16 of the World Cup, has signed from Mexican side Club America.

“He has been on our list of targets for a long time because he is strong and quick with the ability to beat his man and get crosses in,” said McLeish.

Birmingham missed out on defensive target Armand Traore, with the Arsenal left-back choosing to join Juventus on loan.

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish believes that the national side can get back to winning ways, despite this week’s poor showing by clubs in Europe.

Celtic, Motherwell and Dundee United all exited the Europa League, leaving McLeish’s former club, Rangers, as the only team left in European competition.

“These things go in cycles,” said McLeish. “Let’s hope Craig Levein can do a job with the national team.

“We’re a small country trying to get into a cycle where we get success.”

The Scotland national side have not qualified for an international tournament since the World Cup in France 98 and the poor performances of clubs in Europe over the last three seasons will have a detrimental effect on the country’s Uefa co-efficient.

Levein’s Scotland squad will open their European Championship qualifying campaign away to Lithuania on Friday in Kaunas, in what will be the first competitive match under the new manager after losing 3-0 in a recent friendly against Sweden.

Meanwhile, Rangers will fly a solitary flag for Scotland in this season’s Champions League group stages, but the Birmingham City manager remains positive about the country’s hopes for a recovery, both at club and national level.

“If we make some in-roads there, if Walter can improve on last year’s Champions League showing, it’ll say that we’re making strides forward,” said McLeish.

“But to lose the guys so early – like Motherwell, who had done so well to get to this stage – is a problem.

“The competition is so intense, when you think of the other clubs that have gone out from more illustrious countries, it’s not just a Scottish problem, we’re just not strong enough at the moment.

“We do have good players, but overall, we’re still a bit behind.

“We’ve just got to keep hoping the players come through.”

Wigan have accepted an offer from Birmingham City for winger Charles N’Zogbia after the midlands club matched the Latics’ valuation.

The prolonged transfer looked like stalling when Wigan boss Roberto Martinez criticised the Blues’ conduct in trying to sign the Frenchman, 24.

But a statement on Wigan’s website on Friday said: “We have accepted an offer that met the club’s valuation.

“The player has now been given permission to speak to Birmingham.”

Sunderland were also believed to be interested in the former Newcastle man, who was left out of the Latics’ 4-0 opening-day defeat against Blackpool after Martinez criticised his attitude.

But Blues boss Alex McLeish looks to have won the race for N’Zogbia’s signature, after publicly revealing Birmingham had made a bid for the player.

“We have made another bid for Charles and we wait to see if it’s successful or not,” stated McLeish on Thursday. “We’re awaiting Wigan’s response. At the same time we’re in the hands of the gods in terms of the other offers.

“There are a few other players. Again, it’s difficult getting them over the line – that’s going to be the hardest part.”

That prompted Martinez, who reinstated N’Zogbia to his side for their 6-0 home defeat by Chelsea on Saturday, to hit out at Birmingham’s conduct.

“We had a couple of offers in May and now the offer is less than the one we had in May,” said the Spaniard. “Then they come out publicly in the press. It doesn’t look serious to me.

“The valuation is clear. If the team matches it he can speak with them. Until that happens he is a Wigan Athletic player.

“The transfer window brings you that distraction but when you get other managers talking about your players, that is really disappointing – to unsettle players and the press with no substance behind it.

“I don’t know the reason behind it, whether it is to get the fans’ hopes high in your football club, I don’t know.

“Charles has had a difficult few days and it is our fault. We should not allow the transfer window to be open when the competition is ongoing.

“I don’t think it is respectful to the league or the fans and it needs to be considered by the authorities.”

Martinez also moved to dismiss suggestions that there was an ongoing rift between himself and the player, with N’Zogbia coming on as substitute in the last few minutes of his side’s 3-0 Carling Cup win at Hartlepool on Tuesday.

“Players are human beings and Charles has had to deal with a lot of things and the transfer window doesn’t help players to be human beings,” added Martinez.

“He hasn’t done anything wrong. He is still a Wigan Athletic player and he has been perfect in his attitude. We won’t punish him because a third party wants to speak out to the press.”

Birmingham had to come from a goal down to overcome a gutsy Rochdale in the second round of the Carling Cup.

The visitors went ahead when Gary Jones pounced after Scott Wiseman’s strike was parried by keeper Maik Taylor.

A dubious penalty for a Marcus Holness foul on Matt Derbyshire allowed James McFadden to level before David Murphy fired in from close range for Blues.

Derbyshire then slotted in from close range and, despite Jones firing in Dale’s second, the home side held on.

The League One visitors had made life uncomfortable for their Premier League hosts and 33-year-old Jones had tapped in to give Birmingham notice they were in for a tough game when he put Rochdale in front.

The lead was quickly cancelled out by McFadden’s spot-kick but the visitors were unhappy at what they perceived a harsh penalty award against them by referee Mike Russell.

Birmingham took the lead when Murphy, making his first appearance for the home side since breaking a kneecap at Watford 16 months ago, volleyed in after Roger Johnson’s knock-down.

Dale keeper Josh Lillis failed to hold a close range sidefoot from debutant Derbyshire as the striker’s effort was deemed to have crossed the line before it had been cleared from the Dale goalmouth.

It appeared victory was assured for the home side but Jones slotted in after a low cross from the impressive Chris O’Grady to set up an anxious finale, which Birmingham eventually came through.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish on Derbyshire:
“Matt got brighter as the game went on.

“You saw a glimpse of him when he got up the side from the first penetrating pass of the night and won the penalty.

“He started to look very dangerous in the second half in and around the box. He got his goal and linked up well.”

Rochdale manager Keith Hill:
“The performance will be forgotten in a few days while the result stays in the mind and on the records.

“We carved out some really good opportunities but we are on a steep learning curve.

“We have to let players make mistakes, that’s how you learn. But mistakes mean you lose and modern football suggests losing games loses you your job.”

Carling Cup second round
Venue: St Andrew’s Date: Thursday, 26 August Kick-off: 1945 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio & live on Sky Sports 3

Birmingham are expected to make changes and are without defender Stuart Parnaby, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Veteran striker Kevin Phillips is out with a thigh problem.

Rochdale have included Josh Thompson in their squad after signing the defender on a season-long from Celtic.

Thompson did not receive clearance in time to face Colchester at the weekend, but has been given the green light to play at St Andrew’s.

Head-to-head

This is the first ever competitive meeting of Birmingham and Rochdale.

Birmingham

Birmingham have won their first match in the League Cup in each of the last six years.

They were last knocked out in the second round in 2003, when Blackpool beat them 1-0 at Bloomfield Road. That was also the last time Birmingham were eliminated by lower division opposition.

Rochdale

Victory would give League One Rochdale a place in the third round of the League Cup for the first time since they were runners-up in 1961/62.

Dale beat Barnsley in the last round – only their second win in the League Cup in the last nine years.

Ben Foster has set his sights on becoming England’s number one goalkeeper after a fine start with his new club Birmingham City.

Foster produced a man-of-the-match display in the 2-1 win over Blackburn on Saturday, including a penalty save from Morten Gamst Pedersen.

The 27-year-old told BBC WM: “When I’m with England I want to be playing, it’s as simple as that really.

“I want to be playing no matter who I’m with and England’s no different.”

Foster, who has won four England caps, was included in the squad for the first friendly following the World Cup, against Hungary at Wembley on 11 August.

However, he was forced to pull out the day before the game because of a back injury.

England coach Fabio Capello selected former Blues loanee Joe Hart, now back at Manchester City, in goal for the 2-1 victory.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Foster has helped Blues pick up four points from their first two matches in the Premier League and manager Alex McLeish believes he has already proved his worth to the team.

“Ben’s already saved us points,” he told BBC WM. “What a save it was from the penalty. He struck it really well and it was a phenomenal save.”

Foster has forged a reputation as a penalty-saving expert and he agreed that the stop from Pedersen at St. Andrew’s was one of his finest ever.

“I’m delighted with it, especially seeing it come back off the bar,” Foster added.

“You’ve got to do your homework and our media guy has done a fantastic job. He’s pulling clips from all sorts of dark areas on the internet and that little bit of research can prove the difference.”

Notts County have signed young winger Luke Hubbins on loan from Premier League side Birmingham City.

The 18-year-old joins the Meadow Lane club until the middle of January, having recently earned a first professional contract at St Andrew’s.

Hubbins was recommended to Notts by their former player Phil Robinson, who now works in Birmingham’s academy.

The teenager has gone straight into the squad for Saturday’s game against Dagenham and Redbridge.

Barclays Premier League
Venue: St Andrew’s Date: Saturday, 21 August Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, local radio, Final Score & highlights on Match of the Day

Birmingham could hand a first start to target man Nikola Zigic, who came on for Garry O’Connor in the 2-2 draw at Sunderland.

Former Blackburn striker Matt Derbyshire is set for his debut after joining Blues on loan from Olympiakos.

Rovers star David Dunn is out with a groin injury but could recover in time to face Norwich in the Carling Cup.

Fellow midfielder Vince Grella may also make his comeback in Tuesday’s game.

Birmingham

Injured: Phillips (thigh)

Blackburn

Injured: Dunn (groin), Grella (calf)

Tuesday marked 10 years since the passing of Blackburn benefactor Jack Walker, who spent much of his fortune establishing Rovers in the top flight, bankrolling their title win in 1995.

In recent years Blackburn have lived by more modest means, but that could all change if the proposed takeover by Ahsan Ali Syed goes ahead.

The Indian businessman claims he will give manager Sam Allardyce up to 100m in transfer funds, and even hopes to tempt David Beckham to Ewood Park. Syed met with Rovers officials this week, but Allardyce does not expect any deal to be concluded before the transfer window shuts.

Birmingham fans will appreciate more than most the potentially unsettling effect of takeover talk, with Carson Yeung’s protracted purchase of the club having contributed to Blues’ relegation in 2008. He eventually took control last year, promising manager Alex McLeish a 40m transfer kitty, although the Scot has so far spent less than half that sum.

The referee for this game, 25-year-old Michael Oliver, will become the youngest official to take charge of a Premier League match. Oliver was due to break Stuart Atwell’s record in January but missed out when the game between Fulham and Portsmouth was postponed. Injury ruled him out of the rearranged fixture.

Head-to-head

Blues have won their last five home games against Blackburn.

Rovers have scored in each of their last 22 top-flight matches against Birmingham since a 1-0 away defeat in April 1960.

Birmingham

Blues’ only win in their final 10 league games last season was a 2-1 victory against Burnley on 1 May.

Alex McLeish’s men are unbeaten in their last 15 top-flight games at St Andrew’s. They suffered only two home defeats last term, losing to Aston Villa and Bolton.

Barry Ferguson attempted 2,169 passes in last season’s Premier League, more than any other player.

Blackburn

Defeat to Everton in April is their only loss in their last 10 league games.

Rovers’ three away league wins last season all came against sides at the beginning of the alphabet. They beat Aston Villa 1-0 on the final day, adding to victories at Bolton and Burnley.

Rovers scored 59% of their league goals last season from set-pieces – the highest figure in the top flight.

Birmingham

Dann, Ridgewell: 1 goal (1 league)

Blackburn

Kalinic: 1 goal (1 league)

Referee: Michael Oliver

Assistant referees: Stuart Burt & Mick Mcdonough

Fourth official: Martin Atkinson

Birmingham (D2-2 v Sunderland, a): Foster, Carr (Gardner 65), Ridgewell, Johnson, Dann, Larsson, Bowyer, Ferguson, Fahey (McFadden 46), Jerome, O’Connor (Zigic 57). Subs Not Used: Taylor, Murphy, Michel, Parnaby.

Blackburn (W1-0 v Everton, h): Robinson, Samba, Salgado, Jones, Olsson, Givet, Nelsen, Dunn (Nzonzi 9), Kalinic (Mame Diouf 60), El-Hadji Diouf, Pedersen. Subs Not Used: Bunn, Emerton, Andrews, Hoilett, Chimbonda.

Birmingham City’s new loan signing Matt Derbyshire is determined to turn the move into a permanent deal.

The 24-year-old former Blackburn Rovers striker has returned to the Premier League on a season’s loan from Greek club Olympiakos.

Derbyshire told BBC WM: “The targets for me are to start playing well, helping the team to win and hopefully making the loan deal permanent.”

He could make his debut against former club Blackburn on Saturday.

Derbyshire added: “It’s important to show the manager and the fans what I can do.

“I’m ready and it’s all down to the manager to say if I’m ready.”

Derbyshire began his career with Blackburn but found it difficult to cement a regular starting place at Ewood Park.

The England Under-21 international joined Olympiakos in January 2009, initially on loan, and then completed a permanent transfer later that year.

But he said the time he spent in Greece made him realise how much he wanted to return to the Premier League.

“I’ve missed the mentality of the English game and I’m glad to be back now,” said Derbyshire.

“I’m glad I had the opportunity and I’m glad that I went, but I’m a Birmingham player now and I’m very excited.”

Birmingham City have signed striker Matt Derbyshire on a one-year loan from Greek side Olympiakos.

The 24-year-old Englishman’s move could be made permanent at the end of the current season.

Derbyshire joined Olympiakos from Blackburn Rovers on a four-year deal last summer, having initially moved there on loan in January 2009.

He scored 11 goals in 26 games for Olympiakos, and six goals in 14 matches for the England Under-21 side.

Born in Blackburn, he joined Rovers from Great Harwood Town as a teenager, and also served Plymouth and Wrexham on loan during his time at Ewood Park.