Birmingham land Bouazza on loan

Birmingham City have signed Algerian midfielder Hameur Bouazza on loan from Fulham for the rest of the season.

• The 23-year-old spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Charlton, scoring four goals, including one against the Blues, in 27 appearances.
• Birmingham took advantage of a clause in the Algeria international’s deal with the Addicks which allowed him to move in January.
• Bouazza is set to go straight into the squad for Saturday’s trip to Blackpool.
• Birmingham boss Alex McLeish told the club website the signing of Bouazza, who joined Fulham from Watford for £3m in August 2007, marked the end of a long pursuit.
• “I’ve looked at him for a couple of years now and had him on the radar at Rangers,” said McLeish.
• “I thought he was a promising young player; quick, direct, knows the English system and can do a job when team work is required. He has done very well at Charlton.
• “It was made clear to me that there was a clause that allowed him to move in January.
• “I know Charlton probably feel aggrieved about it but we’ve done nothing wrong.”