Michel pledges to become Blues' star

Birmingham midfielder Michel has admitted his frustration at St Andrew's but has pledged to become a Blues star next season.

The Spaniard made just three starts last term after his £3million move from Sporting Gijon in January, with in-form duo Lee Bowyer and Barry Ferguson keeping him sidelined.

Michel is desperate for his break and, although sitting out the action was hard, feels ready to shine in the Premier League.

He said: "It's always difficult for any player not to play.

"That's particularly the case when you come from a situation where you've been playing every week, as I did in Spain. So it has been tough for me to hang on and not play.

"But I understood why the manager made his decision, as we have very good players and the team was doing very well.

"I just want to contribute to the team's success now."

Manager Alex McLeish has previously admitted Michel found it difficult to adapt to a different culture, but the player insists he has now settled in England.

He said: "Football is football, wherever you play it. There isn't a lot of difference between the way we do it in Spain and the way it is here.

"There are cultural differences between Spain and England, but not so much in football. It hasn't been a problem for me.

"My life here is good. I have got used to the food and I am enjoying it."

But, despite his lack of action, the 24-year-old still insists his move to St Andrew's was the right decision.

He said: "Regrets? None at all. I always wanted to come over here and I was very happy when my move to Birmingham finally worked out.

"I just want to contribute to the team's success now. We had a very good season and the manager is going to be bringing in more players who should make us even stronger.

"When he first spoke to me he had good plans and we're now seeing this club can do good things.

"But next season is another season and I am hopeful it will be different for me.

"I'm sure I'm going to be able to get on and the team will do even more than we did last season."