The playmaker this week became Blues boss Alex McLeish's first capture of the January transfer window in a £3million deal from Sporting Gijon.

McLeish has high hopes for the 24-year-old Spaniard, who will go straight into the squad for tomorrow's Barclays Premier League clash at Portsmouth.

But Michel knows he has to dislodge the formidable duo of Lee Bowyer and Barry Ferguson to break into the team.

Michel said: "I want to be part of the team and to improve with each game.

"I'm quite a technical midfielder so I'll try to learn the speed and rhythm of the game over here as quickly as possible and try to absorb as much as I can each day in training.

"But I understand the situation with starting games as it is difficult to change a team when they are winning games and playing very well.

"All I can do is train hard every day and, once Alex McLeish wants me to be on the pitch, I will be prepared to give my very best."

Michel is relieved to finally arrive at St Andrew's after the deal initially fell through during the summer window with McLeish having tracked him for more than a year.

"For a long time now I've been looking to come here as soon as possible," he added.

"I feel very honoured that the manager has waited such a long time to get me.

"I felt an important part of the Sporting Gijon team so it was a very difficult decision for me to leave.

"But this is a big opportunity for me to grow and to learn a different culture and a different language.

"I've watched many Birmingham games this season as they are shown in Spain a lot of the time and it's made me very excited about coming here."

McLeish is hoping Michel will be firing on all cylinders for next season but wants him to be ready to step into the current side as quickly as possible.

The need for Michel to be available has increased as veteran back-up midfielder Lee Carsley will be out until early March with an ankle problem.

McLeish said: "Is he more for next season? If he adapts faster than that, then that's a bonus.

"He can't be of a mindset that he is just breaking himself in for next season. He has got to be here saying 'I want to challenge Ferguson and Bowyer.'"

Meanwhile, McLeish is not pursuing his interest in former Derby player Giles Barnes, after a trial spell with the club, and he is now training with West Brom.