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Martin Jiranek waits for Blues chance
Wednesday 8th September 2010, 10:55AM BST.
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has told new-boy Martin Jiranek to wait for his chance in the team.
The Czech Republic international arrived from Spartak Moscow on deadline day and McLeish sees him being able to play either as a centre-back or a right-back.
But with his current back-line of Stephen Carr, Scott Dann, Roger Johnson and Liam Ridgewell looking settled, the Blues boss admits both Jiranek and fit-again left-back David Murphy will have to be patient.
McLeish said: “Martin is right-sided. Some people have mistakenly said he would cover us at left-back, but I know he has played at right-back before too.
“So he fits the bill in terms of good, strong cover. Over the last month I’ve been reassessing things and felt we needed both positions covered, given that David Murphy has been out for a year.
“Dave is at a good level of fitness but he will be a bit frustrated that he couldn’t get out on loan to get games, because Liam Ridgewell’s form has been good and the back four has been good.
“It means both Martin and David have to wait for their chance.”
But McLeish reckons Jiranek has all the qualities to succeed in the Premier League.
He added: “Martin has played in the European game, so he’s not a big, aggressive, in-your-face centre-half, like you see in England.
“But he has got the presence and the power to compete in that style which, inevitably in England, will be called for.”
McLeish also believes fellow new recruit Jean Beausejour will bring something new to his team.
He said: “We believe he can provide us with something we haven’t got. He’s quick, he’s explosive and can change pace. He’s got a great delivery of crossed balls and he’s very much a team player in the games that I’ve seen with Chile.
“Judging by the performance he gave for his old team, Club America, against Manchester City in pre-season he certainly fits the bill.
“He looks hungry and he is desperate to show what he can do in the Premier League.”
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