Salif Diao career stats

Diao, 27, chose Birmingham instead of their local rivals Aston Villa and is seen as a straight replacement for Blackburn-bound Robbie Savage.

"Salif fits the bill," said Blues boss Steve Bruce. "He's got plenty of experience and is competitive."

Diao added: "It is all about feeling and Steve Bruce gave me the feeling that he really wanted me for his team."

Savage, who has handed in a written transfer request, is expected to join Blackburn on Tuesday and, with midfield trio David Dunn, Muzzy Izzet and Stan Lazaridis injured, Bruce has swooped for Diao.

Hughes frustrated by Savage delay

The move could become permanent depending on the impact the Senegal international has at St Andrews.

He spoke to Aston Villa manager David O'Leary on Monday, but opted to link up with Blues and trained with his new team-mates for the first time on Tuesday.

"I came to meet him and I could see in his eyes and with the way he talked that he really wanted me to sign for Birmingham," added Diao, who failed to establish himself at Liverpool following a �5m move from French club Sedan after his showings at the 2002 World Cup.

I know this guy doesn't come with best reputation but now that we've got him how do you think we should play him? From Harpal Have your say on 606

"I need someone who can give me my confidence back and the way that he talks, the way he makes things happen, gives me more confidence and that's why I said yes to Birmingham."

Bruce has failed to lure Amdy Faye from Portsmouth but said: "I've said many times, clubs don't want to let their best players go in January. But I think Salif fits the bill for us, that's for sure."