Blues wait on Kenny Miller as David Bentley signs

Birmingham City were today expecting an answer from former Wolves striker Kenny Miller as they welcomed David Bentley to St Andrew's.

Blues are still hoping to sign the Scotland international before Sunday's derby showdown with Villa which could see Bentley feature after he joined, on loan until the end of the season, from Spurs.

Miller has been pondering two offers — the other from Fiorentina — but boss Alex McLeish is now more hopeful of landing the 31-year-old in the next 24 hours for £650,000.

McLeish wrapped up the loan signing of Bentley last night and immediately urged the midfielder to show the form which landed him a £15m move to Spurs two years ago.

McLeish said: "We're delighted to have David's services. He is a classy footballer and will enhance the quality of the squad.

"He is a natural footballer capable of top delivery at set-pieces. With the likes of him, Alexander Hleb and Sebastian Larsson — who has had a great season consistency-wise — we have creative players. Bentley can provide more competition.

"He has had his moments at Spurs but there is fierce competition for places there.

"They have a glut of superstars. With the introduction of people like Rafael van der Vaart and the rise of Aaron Lennon, it has become very difficult for him. The quality is amazing and maybe he can get his career back on track here."

The signing of right-sided midfielder Bentley could be well-timed, with Larsson poised to leave the club having opened talks with Newcastle earlier this week.

McLeish praised the club's board for their efforts in ensuring the Bentley deal went through.

"It's well done to the persuasiveness of the club. I know David was on the hit-list of five or six clubs so we're delighted," he added.