Birmingham have completed the double deadline-day signing of Alexander Hleb and Martin Jiranek.
Former Arsenal midfielder Hleb, 29, has joined Blues on a season-long loan move from Barcelona, while defender Jiranek, 31, joins from Spartak Moscow for an undisclosed fee.
Manager Alex McLeish told the club’s official website: “Hleb is a top quality player – one who at one stage we’d only actually dreamed about really.
“Over the past year or so we have talked about him but with no real belief we could get him. We decided to give it a try and towards the end of the window we found out it might be possible.
“This is a major signing for us and we are very happy to have him here. He is an extremely creative type who is skilful, a great dribbler and has an excellent touch and quick feet.”
And on the arrival of Jiranek, the Scot added: “We are short at the back with regards to defensive cover.
“Jiranek has tremendous experience on club, European and international fronts. He is a good presence and his arrival will keep Roger Johnson and Scott Dann on their toes.”