Alex McLeish admits Birmingham's fine form during the first half of the season means new signing Michel can be given additional time to settle at St Andrew's.The 24-year-old has completed a £3million switch from Sporting Gijon after formally passing a medical last night and has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.McLeish has high hopes for Michel, who has become his first capture during the January transfer window. Singing the Blues: Alex McLeishBut City's lofty placing in the Premier League means he can be given time to adjust to the demands of English football.McLeish said: 'Sometimes it's not easy for a player, especially coming from a foreign country, to come in and hit the ground running.'He'll need time to get to know his team-mates and see the sort of demands we ask from players in training.'We can also see if we can add a wee bit to his game and improve him all round as a player.'But the bonus is that, because we're doing so well, he has got additional time to settle.' New man: Michel in action for Sporting Gijon against Barcelona last yearMichel will provide competition in midfield for Lee Bowyer and Barry Ferguson, who have formed an effective partnership.McLeish said: 'I said I wanted to sign players of quality during January and Michel fits the bill.'I'm very pleased he's signed as I've been tracking him for over a year. I've added a player who is unfazed in taking the ball in any company.'He's played at the Bernabeu and the Nou Camp and has acquitted himself well, so he's a technical player who can definitely strengthen the squad.'He has good quality, is only 24, has got good legs and is a player for now but also the future.'Michel is ineligible for tonight's FA Cup third-round replay against Nottingham Forest at St Andrew's as he was not registered to play before the original tie. Alex McLeish insists: The FA Cup is very important to a club like BirminghamA Premier League club could go bust this year, predicts David SullivanBIRMINGHAM FC
Source: Daily_Mail