Chelsea midfielder Jiri Jarosik has joined Birmingham on loan for the rest of the season.

Birmingham will have the option to make the deal permanent when the loan spell ends.

Boss Steve Bruce told the Birmingham website: “He is a powerful midfielder who is very strong in the air. It is his versatility that really appeals.”

The 27-year-old Czech joined Chelsea from CSKA Moscow last January but made only 20 appearances for the Premiership champions, mostly as a subsitute.

The Czech international has been drafted into the squad for Birmingham’s Premiership encounter with Middlesbrough on Tuesday.

Bruce said he had been impressed by Jarosik when he came on as a substitute for Chelsea against his side last season.

“Although he only played for 25 minutes, he turned the game and he caught my eye then because of his physical presence,” added Bruce.

“He can play the holding role in midfield, at the bottom of the diamond or off the front two.

“At his best I think he is an attacking midfielder who likes to get on the end of crosses.”